Motorsport fans the world over mourn the death of Dan Wheldon today. The 2005 IndyCar champion and twice Indy 500 winner was killed yesterday in a horrific multi-car pile-up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The season-ending race of the IndyCar series was touted as being a pure spectacle as there was a $5 million (Canadian) purse for first prize. Wheldon, who does not even have a full time drive in the series, was looking for a good result. Formula One aficiondos may recall that he was a former test driver for the Sauber team.
On lap 13 of the race, a mid-field incident sent cars in every direction, and into each other. Wheldon’s car was fired skywards and made contact with the catch fencing on the outside of turn two. The wreck returned to terra firma upside down and on fire.The race was quickly halted as emergency crews tried to help all the drivers in stricken racecars. Three other drivers were injured, including series leader Will Power.
Wheldon was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later declared dead. Upon hearing of his death several drivers were seen openly sobbing in the pit lane, including friend of Wheldon (Scotsman) Dario Franchitti.
"We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships, and that's what we love to do, what we live for. Days like today, it doesn't really matter. I lost, we lost, a good friend. Everybody in IndyCar considered Dan a friend. Dan was one of those special, special people, from when he first showed up at IndyCar," said Franchitti, a former team-mate of Wheldon and 2011 season champion.
McLaren-Mercedes F1 pilot Jenson Button, a contemporary of Wheldon’s who raced against him in karting, wrote on Twitter: “Just woken up to the most horrific news. Dan Wheldon RIP… I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early 90's, a true fighter.”
The 2009 Formula One world champion, added: “We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy. I can't begin to imagine what his family are going through and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”
“This is an extremely sad day,” the 2008 F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said. “He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy, who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy500, he was an inspirational guy, and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration.
“This is a tragic loss at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” the Briton added.
Wheldon, 33, is survived by his wife Susie Behm and two sons, Sebastian (2 yrs) and Oliver (9 months).
* Out of respect for Wheldon's family, CAR chooses not to post a video link to a television recording of the tragic accident.