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INDYCAR: Justin Wilson Returning To Coyne
SPEED.com has learned that Justin Wilson and engineer Bill Pappas have signed on with Coyne for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR season.
Robin Miller  |  Posted January 05, 2012  
Justin Wilson and Bill Pappas, the combo that delivered Dale Coyne's first win in 2009, are returning to try and rekindle the magic in 2012. (LAT)
The combination that gave Dale Coyne credibility, renewed enthusiasm and his first and only win is getting back together.

SPEED.com has learned that Justin Wilson and engineer Bill Pappas have signed on for a return with Coyne for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR season and it could be officially announced as soon as Thursday afternoon.

In 2009, Wilson started second and finished first at Watkins Glen to give Coyne his long-awaited maiden victory after 25 years of fielding Indy cars. He also had a podium at Long Beach and led 28 laps at Mid-Ohio.
Dale Coyne, right , celebrates with Wilson, AKA "Bad Ass," after the Brit won the Watkins Glen round for DCR. (LAT)

But the partnership split at year’s end because Coyne and Wilson supposedly couldn’t agree on the length of a new contract, and the former F1 driver moved over to lead the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing camp.

The 33-year-old veteran from England who missed the final six races of 2011 after breaking his back in a freak accident during practice at Mid-Ohio, is regarded as one of the two or three best road racers in the series but he’s been with three different teams in the past four seasons.

Honda is expected to provide the power for Wilson, who is currently headed to Daytona to test for the Rolex 24 and could not be reached for comment.

Veteran engineer John Dick is also thought to be heading to Coyne so between himself, Pappas and Wilson, it could be a formidable entry for the little team from Plainfield, Ill.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.
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