Ex-Justin Wilson Champ Car restored to raise funds for his family

Following the Briton's death in the 2015 Pocono IndyCar race, a number of initiatives sought to raise funds for the Wilson Children's Fund supporting his widow and two daughters.

The latest development is the Lola B05/00 chassis Wilson took to victories at Toronto and Mexico City with RuSPORT in 2005, his first two wins in American single-seater competition.

Former driver Jimmy Vasser and his one-time PKV Racing co-owner Dan Pettit - who purchased RuSPORT and the chassis at the end of 2006 - have led the project, with Vasser's research revealing the significance of the car on display in the showroom of one of his car dealerships late last year.

"It has been our dream to help Justin's family in some meaningful way and to say thank you for all the joy he brought to us," Pettit and wife Kathy said.

"For some unknown reason we kept one of our old cars from the racing team and when Jimmy suggested we donate it with the proceeds going to the Wilson Children's Fund, we thought it was brilliant."

Wilson's former team manager Chris Mower led the restoration at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing - where Wilson spent two seasons - aided by IndyCar mechanics, engineers and suppliers, with the car now carrying its Toronto livery.

With original parts sourced, including from KV Racing and Champ Car tyre supplier Bridgestone, the rolling chassis includes Wilson's sculpted seat, belts, a rebuilt moulded steering wheel and one of his RuSPORT racesuits.

"When Jimmy approached us with this idea we felt very honoured to be involved in restoring this car, such an important part of Justin's motor racing history," Mower said.

"More importantly, my wife Marianne and I were graced with the titles of godparents to Justin's daughters Jane and Jess, so to help on this project and aid our goddaughters' future was an opportunity we can't help but feel the big man himself may have steered our way."

A decision on whether the car will be sold by auction or directly is still to be made, with details to be announced at http://wilsonchildrensfund.com/