Dan Wheldon Dead in Indy 300 Las Vegas Horror Crash: Racing World Mourns (VIDEO)
The world of racing is in mourning today over the tragic loss of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Wheldon died on Sunday in a catastrophic crash at the 2011 IZOD IndyCar World Championship race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Wheldon was involved in a fiery 15-car pile-up when his car flew over 220 miles per hour into a turn and climbed the back of another car bursting into flames. Wheldon’s car eventually flipped end over end until it slammed into a crash fence above a retaining wall just outside turn two of the track.
The crash that claimed Wheldon’s life happened early on in the final race of the IndyCar season, just 12 laps in.
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Following the crash, the remainder of the event was canceled and IndyCar officials did a five-lap salute as “Amazing Grace” played over the loudspeakers.
Scottish racer Dario Franchitti said of the untimely death of his friend, “We can put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships and it’s what we love to do. And it’s what we live for. And on days like today, it doesn’t really matter. I lost, we lost … a good friend.”
Wheldon’s father-in-law told the North Carolina news agency WGHP that Wheldon “wasn’t just a great driver, but he was a great human being. He was always positive, always had something good to say about everybody.”
On Sunday evening following the passing, CNN “World Sport” anchor Patrick Snell said, “There is no question that the world of motorsports has lost one of its favorite sons.”
IndyCar released a statement on the death saying, “IndyCar is sad to announce that Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family.”
Wheldon’s last race was ironically the last race of IndyCar favorite Danica Patrick’s career as well.
Patrick tweeted of the crash, “There are no words for today. Myself and so many others are devastated. I pray for suzi and the kids that god will give them strength.”
Prior to the fatal race, several drivers reportedly expressed concern over the track’s blinding speeds and Dario Franchitti reiterated the concern following the crash to ABC news.
Franchitti said, “This is not a suitable track, and we have seen it today, its nowhere to get away from anybody. One small mistake from somebody and there’s a massive thing.”
Wheldon was motorsport's first fatality in five years and three other drivers were hurt in yesterday’s pileup.
Prior to the race, the 33-year-old British racecar champion wrote in a blog for USA Today, “This is going to be an amazing show.”
Wheldon leaves behind wife Susie and two young sons, Sebastian and Oliver.
Dan Wheldon Dies in Massive Crash at Indy 300 in Las Vegas (WARNING: STRONG CONTENT):
