INDIANAPOLIS — A few days ago, the Verizon IndyCar Series raced at Pocono Raceway for just the second time since beloved driver Justin Wilson’s tragic accident there two years ago.

Today is the anniversary of his death, but Stefan Wilson said it feels like he lost his big brother just yesterday.

“It’s tough this time of year,” Stefan Wilson said in a recent phone conversation with The Indianapolis Star. “I think it’s because he was such a big part of my life.

“When I wasn’t able to make that jump up into IndyCar — kind of on the outside looking in and wanting to be there — it was at least nice to be able to watch him race and compete. Watching him do what he loves and cheering him on. It was a big part of the joy in our lives. But that’s just gone now.”

Justin Wilson died a day after he was struck in the head by a piece of debris from the car of then-rookie Sage Karam during the race. Stefan feels the loss of his brother even more now after his recent move to Colorado, where Justin lived with his wife, Julia, and two daughters, Jane and Jessica.

Seeing Stefan’s two girls growing up is a constant reminder of what his brother is missing out on.

“Just being around them, I feel the loss of his presence even more so now because I’m around where I expect him to be,” Stefan said. “And he’s not there, you know? I think about him a lot. I’m just trying to do my best every day to live up to him and lead the life he’d want me to. Obviously, he was a great role model for me, and I’m just trying to do him proud.”

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Stefan said that being around family has helped in the grieving process. It’s nice to be able to share stories about his brother, known lovingly as the “Gentle Giant,” with his nieces.

“They get a kick out of listening to stuff that we got up to,” Stefan said, with a chuckle. “That’s what helps. It helps you manage the sadness. … It’s all a big adjustment. It doesn’t get easier but, I guess, you just get more accustomed to it.

“It’s hard to quantify how much of a loss it is,” Stefan said. “At the same time, I know I am lucky I got the amount of time with him that I did. I just think about his daughters, they’re so young. They didn’t get that time. But we’re from Yorkshire [England], so we’re built tough. We’ll just keep moving forward.”

It's been 2 years, and far too long since we lost you my friend. Not a weekend goes by where you… https://t.co/xOKGKKML7b — Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) August 24, 2017

Ayello writes for the Indianapolis Star, part of the USA TODAY Network.