Justin Wilson kicked off his Racing career back in 1994 with a drive in the Formula 'A' British Championship and the Formula Vauxhall Junior Winter Series. Here he won his first ever race at the tender age of 16, the first ever of that age to win a British Motor Race. The following season he became champion in the Formula Vauxhall Junior Challenge Cup after four victories, finished third overall in the Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship and was the best newcomer in the Formula Vauxhall Winter Series.

Signing on for Paul Stewart Racing in the 1996 British Formula Vauxhall series, Justin finished in the runner up position after 2 pole positions, 3 fastest laps, 1 first place, 5 seconds and 3 thirds, finishing every round in a top five position. He continued with the team in 1997 and finished 4th overall with 1 lap record; 2 pole positions; 4 fastest laps, 3 wins; 2 second finishes and 2 thirds.

Formula Palmer Audi came next in 1998 and here the young Brit was crowned champion after 9 wins, 10 fastest laps,6 lap records and 4 pole positions. This was the stepping stone to the F3000 Championship the following season where he competed for Team Astromega. It wasn't the best of years with just two points finishes, however he was the best qualified rookie on several occasions.

Continuing in F3000 with Nordic Racing for the next two years, Justin secured the crown in 2001 with a record number of points, 71 in total. He claimed 10 podium finishes out of 12 races, 2 pole positions but just 3 race wins to snatch the crown from Mark Webber.

Although he tried to secure a drive in the 2002 Formula One championship, Justin's 6ft 4 frame prevented him from doing so, not once but twice. He was rejected by Jordan for a full time drive and when Minardi replaced Alex Yoong for two races in the middle of the season, Justin was once again deemed too tall. He didn't sit idly by however and competed in the Telefonica World Series by Nissan where he finished 4th overall.

After being forced to reject him due to his height, Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart vowed to make a car big enough to accommodate his frame and signed him on to compete for the Faenza based squad in the 2003 season.