Coyne Chief Mechanic Wins Mechanical Excellence Award

Roy Wilkerson (left-center)

Dale Coyne Racing car No. 63 Chief Mechanic, Roy Wilkerson, is the recipient of the 2015 Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award. This award was presented by The Clint Brawner Foundation and supported by Bridgestone/Firestone for the 19th consecutive year.

The award is given to the Verizon IndyCar Chief Mechanic who exemplifies the mechanical excellence, creativity, and perseverance during the month leading into the Indianapolis 500 race.

Wilkerson lead his team of highly skilled mechanics in rebuilding the No. 63 Dale Coyne Racing car supporting Susan G. Komen in the opening week of practice for the 500 mile race. Driver Pippa Mann was caught out by slowing cars during a practice session and destroyed the primary car upon impact with the pit lane wall.

The Coyne crew, under the leadership of Wilkerson, went to work to build her car using a spare tub that was being repaired from an incident earlier in the season. In less than 48 hours, the team had Mann back on track and preparing for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing" once more.

Roy Wilkerson has been in motorsports since 1984 where he started working on a Trans-Am team. 1988 was the first year he worked at the Indianapolis 500 and this year marks his 20th race. His first experience as a chief mechanic is in the year 2000.

This is the 29th consecutive year the Clint Brawner Foundation has given out this award. The award’s namesake, Clint Brawner, was at the Indianapolis 500 for almost 50 years and helped to build the success, legend, and tradition of this race.

Roy Wilkerson was presented with a $5,000 check and a plaque that will forever remember his contributions to the sport and the 99th running of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.