WOODBRIDGE, Ont., Canada - GRAND-AM competitor Greg Wilkins, 53, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, Vera and children, Mark and Lauren.
Wilkins was best known for his role as a leader in the corporate world as a President and CEO of Barrick Gold and most recently as Executive Vice-Chairman, but to everyone in the GRAND-AM community and at AIM Autosport, Greg was a loyal friend with a competitive spirit.
A gentleman in the paddock, Wilkins was a fierce competitor on the track who would quietly achieve goals sought by most race drivers with his crowning achievement, a class victory at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000. His greatest podium appearance however, may have been in 2005 when he finished third at the Rolex 24 At Daytona with son Mark as his co-driver.
Greg had 39 career starts in the Rolex Series, winning the GTO class at Mid-Ohio in 2000. He raced 48 times in the Continental Tire Challenge, scoring 38 top-10 finishes with victories at Phoenix in 2003 and California in 2004.
Greg was very supportive of Mark's career, which for the last seven years involved everyone at AIM Autosport, where Mark continues to race. His proudest moment was in 2008 at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, watching Mark and teammate Brian Frisselle fight their way to their first victory in the closest finish in Rolex Series history. The fact it was a Canadian team taking its first win on Canadian soil - and in Greg's hometown - was not lost on anyone. One can only imagine that Greg was wishing he could have had a turn at the wheel. Mark and Brian then scored a dominating victory at Watkins Glen International.
"Greg was an inspiration to everyone at AIM Autosport and a key visionary who guided our expansion into the Rolex Sports Car Series," commented team principal Ian Willis. "His competitive spirit and desire to be the best will remain with us forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they are part of our family. Godspeed Greg we will miss you."
A memorial service will be held for Greg at a future date. Arrangements will be announced by the family.
