IndyCar Driver Killed In Las Vegas, Raced In Detroit
LAS VEGAS (AP) - IndyCar racing has its first on-track fatality in five years. Dan Wheldon was killed Sunday in a massive 15-car wreck that sent cars flying through the air early in the Las Vegas Indy 300. The two-time Indy 500 winner was 33 when he flew over another vehicle and landed in a catch fence just outside turn 2 on Lap 11.
Drivers were told of Wheldon's death in a meeting about two hours after the crash that many of them say is the worst they've ever seen. There had been concerns about the high speeds at the track, where they were hitting nearly 225 mph during practice. The 1.5-mile oval was red-flagged following the accidents while crews worked on fences and removed smashed cars.
The race was eventually called off, although the 19 drivers still in the race performed a five-lap salute to Wheldon, driving three abreast around the oval. IndyCar also canceled its season-ending banquet which had been scheduled for tonight.
Three other drivers were hospitalized following the wreck. Will Power was treated and released, but Jr Hildebrand and Pippa Mann were expected to remain in the hospital overnight.
It is the first IndyCar fatality since Paul Dana was killed after a crash in a morning warmup at Homestead in 2006.
Local racing fans might remember Dan Wheldon when he raced in Detroit. He took third in the 2007 Detroit Grand Prix and finished 20th in 2008.
He also raced five times in open-wheel events at Michigan International Speedway.
Wheldon finished second in 2005, in between a pair of third place finishes.
Michigan International Speedway president Roger Curtis issued a statement following Wheldon's death:
"I am saddened for the entire racing community and all race fans. Dan Wheldon was one of the most personable and friendliest drivers I have ever met in this sport. And he was a passionate, talented and exciting driver whose love of racing really showed. But more than that, he loved his family and our thoughts are with them during this very sad time."
