Dan Wheldon dies following IndyCar accident - A tragic day for motorsport with the loss of the British driver
Published by Mr. C
IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon has lost his life after a multiple car collision on lap 12 of the Las Vegas Indy 300. Wheldon started the race at the back of the field and had worked his way up to 24th position when the incident occurred.
33 year old Wheldon was competing for a $5 million prize if he could have driven from last to first place in the final race of the IndyCar season. The victim of a monumental pile-up, his car was catapulted into the air before it hit a perimeter catch fence.
Dan was flown to to a nearby hospital before it was announced his injuries were fatal.
IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners have decided to end the race.
- Randy Bernard, IndyCar Series CEO
Following the announcement, IndyCar drivers took part in a moving five lap salute, running cars three abreast at a reduced speed around the oval to the strains of Amazing Grace.
A most memorable winner
Last week it had been reported that Wheldon would replace the departing Danica Patrick at Andretti Autosport for 2012. He was the 2005 IRL champion and a two time Indy 500 winner, memorably winning this years 100th anniversary race on the very last lap.
Earlier this year, Wheldon attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where a number of Sidepodcast commenters managed to catch up with him for a chat. Here's the smiling Brit signing an autograph or two in the gardens of Goodwood House.
