This was just passed along to me by one of my Brazilian friends.
Having been one of several FVee drivers who had the opportunity to race in Brazil via the Challenge Cup "exchange program" I am very sadden to receive this news. One of the greatest honors was to meet and spend time with Wilson Fittipaldi. He is an integral part of the FVee community and is responsible for elevating the class to the status and strength it enjoys to this day. He personally worked with me during the entire weekend to ensure that I was competitive and enjoying myself. I could go on for days about the experience, but for now my thoughts and prayers go out to Wilson and his family.
Brasilia: Former Brazilian Formula One driver and the Fittipaldi Formula One team owner Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. suffered cardiac arrest during his 80th birthday dinner party on Christmas Day, Brazilian sports news outlet Grande Premio reported on Wednesday.
Wilson, the brother of Brazilian two-time Formula One World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, celebrated his 80th birthday on Christmas Day. During the dinner, he choked on a piece of meat and was deprived of oxygen for a long time, followed by cardiac arrest, the report said.
The ex-driver was resuscitated at a Sao Paolo hospital and later required tracheal intubation. He is now in a stable condition, but doctors are unable to remove him from sedation, the report said.
Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. participated in 38 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix from 1972-1973 and in 1975 and scored a total of three championship