Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 twice and the championship once during his career in Indy Car racing, died today in an accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the IZOD IndyCar Championships at Las Vegas.
Wheldon was 33.
The accident took place on the thirteenth lap, when a multi-car wreck resulted in several cars becoming airborne. Wheldon's car was among them as he hit the rear tire of Paul Tracy's car and flew into the catchfence cockpit-area first.
Wheldon won his sole series championship in 2005, the same year he won his first Indianapolis 500. He won his second Indianapolis 500 this year, when a last lap mistake by JR Hildebrand resulted in his crashing coming out of the final turn as Wheldon scooted past for the win. Wheldon won sixteen races during his career.
Wheldon leaves behind a wife and two children.
Comments