An Indy car crash in Las Vegas on October 16 has claimed the life of Indy car champ Dan Wheldon. The car driven by Wheldon, 33, was sent airbourne when it met with a multi-car pile up on the raceway. Viewer discretion is advised, but you can see the Dan Wheldon crash video here. The video captures the crash, which involved more than a dozen Indy cars, as it happened early in the Las Vegas Indy 300 race on Sunday.
Dan Wheldon Crash Video Shows Fiery End To Las Vegas Race
Almost as quickly as it began, the Las Vegas Indy 300 was over; the horrific crash that has the racing community in mourning today took place early in the race during Lap 11. The Las Vegas crash that killed Dan Wheldon also left at least three other drivers with minor injuries. According to an LA Times blog, driver Pippa Mann underwent surgery on her hand as a result of a bad burn to one of her fingers. Another driver, J.R. Hildebrand, has a bruised sternum and spent the night at the hospital. A third Indy car driver, Will Power, was also treated after his own car went airbourne during the pile up. All Indy car drivers injured in the Las Vegas crash (video here) were treated at Las Vegas University Medical Center, the same hospital Wheldon was transported to after the wreck.
The Dan Wheldon crash video seen here shows how quickly things can go from a fun day at the races to a human being losing his life. Dan Wheldon was just 33 years old when he died in Las Vegas Sunday. Wheldon, a two-time Indy 500 winner (the biggest annual race in Indy car), was married to Susie Behm in 2008. The couple have two young children, both boys under three years old.
Born in England, Dan Wheldon was a race car driver from the word ‘go!’. According to Wikipedia, Wheldon reportedly began his life behind the wheel at the tender age of four, when he developed a keen interest in go-karts. Wheldon headed to America in 1999 to make a name for himself in American racing, as beginning his career in the UK would have taken resources beyond his family’s means. Here in the states, Wheldon saw much success. By 2002, he had earned himself the title Rookie of the Year, and by 2005, he had won his first Indy 500. In 2011, he would win the Indy 500 for the second and final time. On October 16, 2011, Dan Wheldon raced his last laps.
Our deepest symapthies are with Wheldon’s family, friends and fans at this heartwrenching time.
Sources:
LA Times Blog – Sun., Oct. 16, 2011
Wikipedia
Examiner.com – Dan Wheldon Crash Video