Two time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died on Sunday from injuries sustained while racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 15 car pile up, which sent three drivers to the hospital (J.R. Hildebrand, Pippa Mann and Will Power) is being called one of the worst racing crashes in history. Wheldon was 33 year old.
Only hours ago Wheldon tweeted of the race “Big day today, $5,000,000.00 at stake!!! Heading to the track."
His race car, sponsored by Justin Timberlake's William Rast clothing line, was one of 15 cars involved in a wreck that started when two cars touched tires, the Associated Press reports.
“Several cars burst into flames, and debris was all over the track, some of the impact so intense that workers needed to patch holes in the asphalt.
Video replays showed Wheldon's car turning over as it airborne and sailed into what's called the "catch fence," which sits over the safer barrier that's designed to give a bit when cars make contact. Rescue workers were at Wheldon's car quickly, some furiously waving for more help to get to the scene."
The remainder of the race was canceled but drivers took to the track for a five-lap tribute to Wheldon as Danny Boy and Amazing Grace played over loudspeakers.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today," announced IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard.
"NASCAR offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Dan Wheldon, his teammates, and the entire IndyCar Series community for their tragic loss today. They will be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” said the organization’s Chairman and CEO Brian France.
Rapper Lupe Fiasco tweeted his condolences writing, “My heart goes out [to] the entire @indycar family and the family of Dan Wheldon #77 and his team. May God have mercy.”
