British IndyCar Racer Dan Wheldon Tragically Dies in Las Vegas Crash

By Jack Carver / October 17, 2011

British IndyCar racer Dan Wheldon, 33, tragically died yesterday after a massive accident at the Las Vegas Indy 300. The Buckinghamshire-born star was one of 15 drivers involved in a 200mph crash on the second corner of lap 13 of the final race of the season. The accident occurred when two cars came into contact, sending both cars and more airborne, where they crashed into the outside wall and catch fence. The race was quickly red-flagged in a sea of burning cars and debris. Wheldon was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center hospital and it's not clear yet where/when he officially died. He leaves behind his wife Susie and two young sons Sebastian and Oliver. This was the first-ever death in 40 years of racing at this circuit and the first IndyCar fatality in five years. Wheldon began racing nine years ago and became series champion in 2005 and won the Indy 500 in 2005 and 2011. Fellow peers and professionals were quick to speak of their admiration of Wheldon and mourned his passing; 2008 Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton said:

"This is a tragic loss at such a young age." "He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy, who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspirational guy and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time."

F1 driver Jenson Button 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 90s, a true fighter. We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy."

Red Bull driver Mark Webber also said on twitter;

"Rest in Peace Dan. I remember our early days in the UK 95/96.. Miss ya.."

Although it feels a mute point now, Scotland's Dario Franchitti ended the season with a third straight winner's crown because rival Will Power's race was over in the accident. 38 year old Franchitti was distraught after the race and before a five-lap salute for Wheldon he was in tears;

"Right now I'm numb and speechless. One minute you're joking around in driver intros and the next he's gone," "He was six years old when I first met him. He was this little kid and the next thing you know he was my team-mate. "We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships and today it doesn't matter."