There is simply no easy way to announce news of this type. IndyCar driver, Dan Wheldon, passed from his injuries after a horrific wreck on the 13th lap of the final race of the season at Las Vegas.
Only 12 laps had been completed, and drivers were racing hard for position. Fifteen cars were involved in the wreck, but none were seriously injured, with the exception of Dan Wheldon. His car went airborne and cockpit first into the catchfence, above the safer barrier. His injuries were described as not survivable.
Dan was racing today for $5 million dollars, starting from last place. Had he won the race, he would have split the winnings with a fan.
Rest in Peace Dan. The racing community will miss you.
IndyCar, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, Dan Wheldon
Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon
10/16/11 in IndyCar
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JrCanuckFan
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10041 respect
10/17/11 |
gearhead
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6349 respect
It was a horrible day yesterday.
Just an awful, awful day. Condolences to the family and friends.
10/17/11 |
kramer
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10785 respect
It was a horrible day yesterday.
Ugh, they say it comes in threes...and there it is.
10/17/11 |
JrCanuckFan
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10041 respect
Off-road racing Champion Russ Huseman, his brother, Jeff and another were killed in a plane crash yesterday as well, making an emergency landing. Prayers are with their families and friends.
It was a horrible day yesterday.
10/17/11 | derms33 | 17191 respect
i'm 33...thats old to me...hahaha...and agree, lets talk some stuff that matters
10/16/11 | derms33 | 17191 respect
this is terrible...and all sports outlets care about is a fight bet. two old men in the NFL...Set your priorities
10/16/11 | KurtKingsley | 1764 respect
RIP
10/16/11 |
gearhead
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6349 respect
Very unfortunate. RIP.
He hit the catch fence cockpit first. Honestly, if that happens, I'm not sure it's even possible for someone to survive that in an open cockpit race car.
10/16/11 | Canadianhick | 2091 respect
I only watched IndyCar when there was nothing else on to watch and Dan was by far the happiest guy around.
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and the entire racing world as there are all family.. RIP Dan.
10/16/11 |
The_Real_Stoney
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20421 respect
Thoughts are with his friends and family.. It was just a sick feeling as the tone of the aftermath of the crash became more and more ominous and seeing the reactions of Tony Kanaan and Graham Rahal after the drivers meeting, you knew what was coming.. Just ugh, such a bummer
10/16/11 | flyty49 | 515 respect
as a big fan of racing i know that open wheel open cockpit cars are the least safe to drive, and at the same time are usually the fastest... RIP Dan
10/16/11 | Soxfest | 760 respect
RIP DW he had no chance in that crash!
10/16/11 | beach_pirate | 1121 respect
Dave Furst (Indianapolis' WRTV Sportscaster) had an interview with Tony Kanaan shortly after the 5-lap tribute. I dont believe I have ever heard such an emotional interview. Kudos to TK for sitting down with Dave and sharing his thoughts.
In Tony's words, "If we were told we only had 1 more hour in this life, I think we all would want to spend it doing what we loved most. Dan did that."
My heart aches for Dan's family and the entire IndyCar community.
RIP Champ
10/16/11 |
gearhead
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6349 respect
Quick update on the rest of the injured. Will Power has been released from the hospital. Pippa Mann and JR Hildebrand are being held overnight for observation, but our awake and alert.
10/16/11 |
JrCanuckFan
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10041 respect
I know what you mean. I'm numb. I'm cleaning my house like a dervish (my coping thing) and bawling my eyes out. IndyCar isn't my favorite type of racing, but I have my favorites (and non-favs) in all forms of racing and TK, Dan, Simona, Ed, Sarah, and yes, even Dario are some of them. I know open wheel racing has lost many, many talented drivers. This one just hurts more.
10/16/11 |
kramer
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10785 respect
What little I watched of Indy Car racing, Dan Wheldon was always the flashy Brit, the fashionable outgoing guy with a passion that few have ever had. I could see how competitive he was and a guy that absolutely loved what he did. I watched that 5-lap tribute, and like Scott said, I've never seen anything like that before. I think ABC was delaying the inevitable news, but all I had to see was Tony Kanaan crying on the pit wall shortly before the announcement and I knew. 5 months ago he was on top of the world with the birth of his 2nd child and his 2nd Indy 500 win after J.R. Hildebrand's complete screw up off the final corner of Indy.
10/16/11 |
gearhead
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6349 respect
I don't know what to say right now. I'm just numb. Dan was a great champion loved by the entire IndyCar community. So many thought swirling about him and the series I love. Above all else though, I'm just gutted for his family. He leaves behind a wife and two sons, 2 and 5 months.
10/16/11 |
Jess
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27998 respect
RIP Dan Wheldon - thoughts and prayers go out to friends, family, and the entire IndyCar community, as his death has touched them too.
10/16/11 |
Scott
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41352 respect
I'm not much of an Indy Car follower but that 5 lap tribute might have been one of the most powerful things I've ever witnessed. Sounds like the auto racing world has not only lost another great driver, but another amazing individual
10/16/11 | JenX63 | 26679 respect
Truly a sad day for all, prayers go out to his family.
10/16/11 |
Joe_L
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12207 respect
RIP Dan Wheldon. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.