During the coverage following the wreck, many drivers cited the high speeds at the track, combined with a large number of new or non-regular series drivers as potential factors in the incident. Additionally, the race featured a starting field of 34 cars, one more than normal as Dan Wheldon, winner of the 2011 Indy 500 had the chance to win a $5-million purse if he could come from the 34th position and win at Las Vegas. His winnings would have been split with an IndyCar fan.
Weldon had amassed 16 career wins driving Indy cars, six of them coming during his dominant 2005 season. That six win effort is a series record. His success at the Indy 500 is well documented. Wheldon took home the big trophy in 2005 and 2011 with many runner-up finishes in between.
More details and analysis will surely emerge in the coming days but at this time, we’d like to extend our sympathy and thoughts to the family and friends of Dan Wheldon who are facing the terrible reality that their father, husband, son, friend, etc is not coming home.
RIP, Just read about this. Thoughts go out to his family
The five lap memorial was one of the more poignant things I’ve ever watched.
As one of the racers pointed out, when you have to put on a helmet and a fire suit to go do the thing you love you know there may be consequences.
RIP
Drivers told IndyCar and the officials at the drivers meeting that this many cars going 220+ at LV was a recipe for bad news. They didnt listen. IndyCar should man up and set up a college fund for Dan’s kids
The game of chicken that IRL calls racing on these mile and a half tracks finaly cost ua a driver’s life in that of Dan Wheldon.
Another exsample of how poorly run the IRL is. IRL you should be a shamed of yourself and for what happened yesterday.
The drivers all know it dangerous, but my heart goes out to Susie and the boys.
Thanks IRL