2 Time Indy 500 Race Winner and Father of Two Children, Dan Wheldon has died in the midst of a tragic 15-car crash in Las Vegas.

report and commentary by Ed Vincent
 
“I’m ready to go for this thing; we can win this thing,” were the last words that were heard over the radio before the fatal crash.  He was an experienced driver, well liked. respected and admired by many fans, and was racing on what many thought was a crowded field with too many inexperienced drivers.

Dan Wheldon had his whole life before him and in about a dozen laps he was caught up in a 15 car crash that was the fault of some drivers with fewer than a handful of races under their belt.  Dan lost his life and the world that he loved.

What can be done to help avoid this type of occurrence in the future?  One might be to limit the field to a smaller amount of racers.  If there are too many who qualify have two races in the same day and make the food vendors happy with extra sales.

The first race would be the top group of pole sitters and the second race would be the those in the second tier of times.  The winner would be based upon the actual time of the race, so that a driver in the second race could still win with a better time or better luck.  This would all make the race safer and a longer day at the event.  There would still be accidents but with fewer cars in the race it would be easier to avoid hitting other cars and perhaps fewer crashes to start with.

The series will miss this fine young man, as will his family and friends.  Perhaps we can all learn something from this.


Better times at Indy with wins and smiles.
© Suburban Journals of  Chicago Inc. photo by Joe Paolella





June 27, 2011
Press Release

Both Wheldon and Herta have extensive time behind the wheel as IndyCar test drivers for Honda in the past. Herta also was active in testing and development for Acura's sports car projects. Newey was involved setting up the Firestone Test Team with Patrick Racing for the tire manufacturer's return to IndyCar racing in 1994.

A comprehensive chassis testing period on behalf of the series will take place in August and September of this year. IZOD IndyCar Series teams are slated to receive their first new chassis by December 15.








The 33-year-old, a two-times winner of the Indy 500, was involved in a multi-car accident 13 laps into the Las Vegas Indy 300 which sent his vehicle flying and left wreckage and debris across the track.

Wheldon's car flew over another and caught part of the catch fence just past the apex of turn two.

The incident left Townsend Bell's car upside down and smoldering cars strewn along the track.

Wheldon, who lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment before his death was announced two hours later.

"IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries," IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today."

The race was canceled and drivers returned later for a moving and tearful five-lap tribute.

A popular figure, Wheldon was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion and he won the Indy500 race that year and also in 2011 -- the 100th anniversary of the event.

When the drivers returned to the track, Wheldon's fellow British driver, Scotsman Dario Franchitti, was sobbing uncontrollably as he was strapped back into his car.

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INDYCAR CONTINUES INVESTIGATION OF 15-CAR INCIDENT AT LAS VEGAS INDY 300
 
INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Oct. 24, 2011) - INDYCAR continues to move forward with its investigation into the 15-car accident on Lap 11 of the Oct. 16 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, in which two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon sustained unsurvivable injuries.

As part of Phase 1 of the investigation, an internal team led by series safety and competition officials is evaluating data to make a factual determination of the circumstances surrounding the entire incident.

The investigation team will utilize outside, independent experts and consultants for analysis of various aspects of the data. The results of the investigation will be turned over to an independent, third-party group for validation.

"We must continue to move forward with a thorough investigation," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. "Fortunately, that has already begun, and we have the protocols in place to get this done. This was a tragic accident, and INDYCAR needs to understand everything possible about it."

INDYCAR anticipates Phase 1 will be complete in several weeks. Phase 2 of the investigation will utilize the information learned in Phase 1 to minimize risks in the future.

Accessible data currently being utilized by the investigation team includes:

·         Accident Data Recorders (ADR3s) from all 15 cars involved in the accident. The ADR3 senses and records 1,000 samples per second just prior to, during and after an accident-triggering event. The ADR3 crash-hardened system can record data from the both the vehicle's internal sensors as well as information from the car's on-board data acquisition system.

·         Accelerometers from all 15 drivers involved in the accident. These sensors are integrated into the left and right radio earpieces worn by drivers to measure dynamic forces during an accident, including the acceleration in the X, Y and Z axes.

·         Analysis of all cars involved in the incident.

Guidelines emphasizing improved driver safety and quality car construction were the key specifications stressed to chassis manufacturers that produced the current generation car, which was introduced in 2003. Key safety mandates include energy-absorbing materials, side intrusion panels and increased distance between front and pedal bulkheads.

INDYCAR and Dallara continue to work on developing its next generation chassis, which will debut in competition in 2012; a universal road/oval chassis with an enhanced driver safety cell and design, which reduces the risks of wheel-to-wheel contact and interlocking wheel.

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WHELDON CHERISHED AS GREAT MAN, CHAMPION AT INDY MEMORIAL

INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 - Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was remembered as a great race driver - but more importantly, as a wonderful father, husband, friend and man - at a public memorial service Sunday, Oct. 23 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

A large crowd, including Wheldon's wife, Susie, and family, gathered to cherish the life of Wheldon, who suffered fatal injuries in a racing accident Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Speakers shared thoughts, memories, laughter and tears about 2005 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011. Many anecdotes during the 90-minute ceremony centered on Wheldon's skill as a driver, zest for life and practical jokes, love of family and friends, and obsession with neatness.

"I love him like a brother," said former teammate Tony Kanaan, a close friend of Wheldon. "I'm grateful for the time we got to spend with him on Earth. Although that time here is done, our time together is not over. We have our memories. We have our feelings. And one day we will be together again.

"For that reason, I'm not saying goodbye to Dan. Not today. And not ever. Goodbye is final, and our friendship won't end. So for now, I'm simply saying I'll see you later. I love you."

Said two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, another former teammate and close friend: "At first, Dan was pretty much the little brother we didn't want. And now, we would do anything to have him back. We miss you, D-Dub."

Other speakers included team owner and former teammate Bryan Herta, Wheldon's representatives Adrian Sussman and Mickey Ryan, INDYCAR Chief Executive Officer Randy Bernard, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus, Target Chip Ganassi Racing team manager Mike Hull, friends and associates Mike Kitchel, Benito Santos and Misty Gibbs, INDYCAR Ministry Director and Chaplain Bob Hills,  and masters of ceremonies Bob Jenkins and Marty Reid.

Musical performances also were poignant during the one-hour ceremony. Country music superstar Reba McEntire sang "If I Had Only Known" at the start of the service, while rising stars The Band Perry performed "Amazing Grace." Country superstar Garth Brooks closed the ceremony with an acoustic version of his hit "The Dance."

Also performing were the Indianapolis Children's Choir and the "Indianapolis 500" Gordon Pipers bagpipe group, an Indianapolis Motor Speedway tradition during Wheldon's beloved Month of May.

Numerous still photos and video clips from throughout Wheldon's life captured his skill, flair, spirit and warmth during the ceremony, including a video of thanks from his family.

Decorating the stage were the Borg-Warner Trophy awarded to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis 500 winner's wreath, two bottles of milk signifying Wheldon's two Indy 500 victories, the Indy Racing League championship trophy that Wheldon won in 2005 and a 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series car painted in the St. George's cross of Wheldon's native England.

Other tributes to Wheldon included Franchitti, Kanaan and Herta wearing Wheldon's 2005 championship ring and Franchitti wearing white shoes in honor of Wheldon, a noted aficionado of style, fashion and shoes.

Fans were able to participate by signing banners in Conseco Fieldhouse, leaving condolences and memories.

The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of his family. The public can make contributions to the

All of Fifth Third Bank's Indianapolis branches also are accepting contributions in person, which will be routed to the account.

In lieu of flowers, friends and fans also can choose to make a donation to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund or the Alzheimer's Association, a cause close to his heart. For more details, visit www.alz.org or www.danwheldonmemorial.com, a GoDaddy.com-created memorial site, which includes a Facebook link to leave condolences and remembrances and a career photo retrospective.

Those wishing to send their sympathy and condolences to the Wheldon family can address letters to:

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Funeral services for IZOD IndyCar Series driver Dan Wheldon will be held at 10 a.m. (ET), Saturday, Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, 701 Beach Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Wheldon's wife, Susie, released the following statement on behalf of the family, inviting members of community to attend the service:

"Although the last few days have been unbearable for our family, the overwhelming love and support we have received are rays of sunshine during these dark days. The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers.

"Dan touched the lives of many people, and I would like to invite those citizens in our community who knew and loved my husband to attend his funeral service at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg on Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m.

"Though we won't be able to fit everyone inside, I know that Dan would have wanted the community to share in the celebration of his life and to grieve his passing. Thank you again. I am forever grateful for your kindness."

The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of Wheldon's family. The public can make contributions to the Dan

All of Fifth Third Bank's Indianapolis branches also are accepting contributions in person, which will be routed to the account.

In lieu of flowers, friends and fans also can choose to make a donation to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund or the Alzheimer's Association, a cause close to his heart.

Those wishing to send their sympathy and condolences to the Wheldon family, can address letters to:

INDYCAR will hold a public memorial service to celebrate the life of Wheldon at 4 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Oct. 23, at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Doors open to the public at 2:30 p.m. The Virginia Street parking garage will be open free of charge to augment on-street parking.

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REVISED STATEMENT FROM INDYCAR ON DAN WHELDON FATAL ACCIDENT

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 19, 2011) - The entire INDYCAR family is saddened by Dan Wheldon's tragic death, and our thoughts continue to be, first and foremost, with Dan's wife, Susie, and his entire family at this incredibly difficult time. The safety of our drivers, their crews, INDYCAR staff, racetrack staff and spectators is always our paramount concern. 

As part of our standard safety protocol, a full investigation has been launched by INDYCAR, with assistance from individual members of various motorsports bodies. It was incorrect to state that either ACCUS or FIA are formally involved. We hope to have preliminary findings to report within the next several weeks. In the meantime, it would be inappropriate to comment further until the investigative team has had the opportunity to conclude its work.

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GP Sports Management is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our dear friend and client, Dan Wheldon.

Dan was a winner. For the past 11 years we were privileged to watch Dan become a champion on the track and a devoted family man off it.  He loved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was immensely proud to have his name etched twice on the Borg Warner trophy alongside some of the Indy 500 greats.

He touched so many people in racing and around the world with his warm smile, his charming personality and his genuine good nature.   Dan loved his fans and always took that extra bit of time to take a photo, to sign an autograph, to make some young kid smile at the racetrack.  Everyone wanted to be around Dan.  His passion and his enthusiasm for life was infectious.  We will all miss him...


- GP Sports Management

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A MESSAGE FROM RRDC PRESIDENT BOBBY RAHAL

 October 17, 2011

Dan Wheldon: Rest In Peace

 On Sunday the Road Racing Drivers Club lost a fellow member, the racing community lost a brilliant talent and the Wheldon family lost a husband and father. The last tragic loss is the only one that really matters. Our hearts are burdened with grief for Dan's family and we hope they feel the arms of their friends around them.

 Racing can be a bitter sport, but life in the racing community is so exhilarating that, year after year, incident after incident, drivers choose to race. Dan continued when others had troubles; his fellow RRDC members will as well, some even soon. Racing isn't heartless; those who participate know that there is no community more loving or more mutually supportive. Racing is a rewarding way of life that Dan and his fellow RRDC members chose, and loved, for very personal reasons.

 Dan Wheldon was our teammate, our competitor and our friend. The RRDC will do what we can to help his family, and we will always honor this lovely man. Then we will do what Dan would have done; we will go racing.

Bobby Rahal

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This statement is in regard to the death of Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, who passed away due to injuries suffered in today IZOD Indy Car World Championships at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bobby Rahal.
 
“The passing of Dan Wheldon today is a great shame. Dan was a great driver as evidenced by not only his Indianapolis 500 victories, but by his many wins and great performances in the race car. But he was much more than a great driver. He was a good guy, good family man and really seemed to have a bright future not only as a driver but as a television personality as well. We had spoken to him very recently about his prospects as a driver for 2012 with our team and he was very enthusiastic about his future. He will be missed.

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October 16th. 2011

IMS STATEMENT ON PASSING OF
INDIANAPOLIS 500 WINNER WHELDON

INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 - A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered in the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented By Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: "We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon. He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all of motorsports. Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father and man - a good friend to so many in this sport. His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."

Wheldon, 33, won "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2005 and 2011.

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STATEMENT FROM INDYCAR ON
PASSING OF DAN WHELDON

LAS VEGAS - Following is a statement from INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard:  "INDYCAR is sad to announce that Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family. INDYCAR, its drivers and teams have decided to end the race. We will run a five-lap salute in honor of Dan."

Dan Wheldon Memorial Page of Dan Peters, Sports Editor

DAN WHELDON MEMORIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED