2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died Sunday after a horrific 15 car wreck at the Las Vegas 300 when his car got airborne on lap 12 crashing into the turn two wall.
The race was immediately stopped as track crew members cleaned up and repaired the accident site.
During a drivers only meeting 2 hours after the crash, drivers Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti informed the rest of the field of Wheldon’s passing from injuries sustained in the crash. It was also determined during this meeting that the rest of the race would be canceled.
“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.”
There was plenty of concern prior to the crash of the track speeds that were reaching speeds in excess of 225 mph.
Danica Patrick, who was making her last IRL start before jumping to NASCAR said that she had to lay off the throttle due to the high speeds.
Drivers also ultimately decided to do a five lap salute to Wheldon.
Wheldon is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. He is survived by his wife Susie and their two sons Sebastian and Oliver. He was only 33 years of age.
From everyone here at The Majors Sports Network, our thoughts and prayers go out to Dan Wheldon, his friends and family.
Ref: ABC, NBC Sports, YouTube