Justin Wilson benefit auction off to great start

An auction that hopes to raise at least $1 million for the family of late IndyCar driver Justin Wilson is off to a great start.

Two helmets – one of Graham Rahal’s from the recent season-ending race at Sonoma and one from Wilson’s Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay have already raised $74,000 for the Wilson Children’s Fund, which will benefit Wilson’s widow Julia and daughters Jane, 7, and Jessica, 5.

A close friend of Wilson’s and a former teammate, Rahal is spearheading the Fund and auction. Wilson died Aug. 24 from a head injury suffered in a race one day earlier.

MORE: Rahal confirms Wilson auction launch date, $1 million goal

The auction (click here for access) opened Monday on eBay, which is waving all transaction fees, with all proceeds going to the Fund.

According to a media release from IndyCar:

“The first batch of items up for auction is a group of 19 racing helmets - 17 worn by drivers in the season-ending GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma on Aug. 30 – along with Townsend Bell’s colorful helmet from the 2014 Indianapolis 500 and the helmet worn by racing legend Mario Andretti when he drove Honda’s ‘Fastest Seat in Sports’ two-seat Indy car at Indianapolis and other events this year.”

Added Rahal, “Justin was not just an incredible driver, he was an incredible person, teammate and friend. Through this auction, I hope we can raise as much money as possible to help provide for his (family).”

Here’s more info about the auction from IndyCar:

“The current group of helmets is available for bid through 9 p.m. ET Sept. 24. Another five groups of racing and other one-of-a-kind memorabilia will follow until the auction’s conclusion Oct. 26.

“In addition to Indy car memorabilia, drivers and teams from Formula One, NASCAR, World Endurance Challenge, Global Rallycross and United SportsCar Championship have donated items for auction. Non-racing items include a microphone autographed by The Who’s Roger Daltrey and an original painting of Wilson’s car by artist Bill Patterson.

“Fans who sell their own Wilson-related items on eBay can designate the Graham Rahal Foundation as their chosen charity and proceeds will be donated to the Wilson Children’s Fund as well.

Those wishing to contribute directly to the Wilson Children’s Fund can do so online at http://justinwilson.co.uk/donate or by mail to: Wilson Children’s Fund, c/o Forum Credit Union, P.O. Box 50738, Indianapolis, IN 46250-0738.”

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