Sunday was suppose to be a spectacular finish to the IndyCar Series year. There was buildup, the series championship on the line, and a prize of $5 million that many desired. Dan Wheldon was one of those drivers laying it all on the line, as they all do, for a sport they truly love.
Dan Wheldon was having the time of his life. Married with two kids and he won his 2nd Indy 500 last May.
Wheldon, 33, died after being part of the 15-car wreck just 11 laps into the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He leaves behind his wife Susie, 2 year-old Sebastian and Oliver who will be 7 months old Wednesday.
Instead of fireworks, there was tears. Instead of victory laps, there was parade laps. Instead of a celebration to conclude the season, there was a celebration of his life.
All for a driver who did things the right way. Teams, drivers, fans and media members all loved Wheldon for his outgoing personality, integrity and honesty.
“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said in a somber news conference, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.”
Wheldon was a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, winning in both 2005 and last May. After losing his ride this season with Panther Racing, he was determined not get down but instead prove he deserved to run full-time once again.
IndyCar turned to him to liven up the sport and to test the new car for 2012.
He made the most of this season, jumping in the broadcast booths whenever he was without a ride. And he did so with a smile, the same smile he constantly walked around with — ear to ear.
Sunday morning before the race, it was reported that Wheldon officially signed with Andretti racing to race all next season taking over for Danica Patrick who is leaving for NASCAR. Everything was rolling for Wheldon, and then this.
Sunday’s coverage of the wreck was not easy to watch. It was unsettling and you could sense from the other drivers’ reaction, that something was wrong. Something had gone terribly wrong. Dan Wheldon became the fourth Indy 500 winning driver to die the same season he won the greatest spectacle in racing.
“Without a doubt the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my racing career,” Davey Hamilton said of the horrific crash.
“There are no words for today,” Danica Patrick said via twitter. “Myself and so many others are devastated.”
Auto-racing drivers are a different breed. They understand the possible consequences and that’s part of the thrill. It’s amazing more fatalities like this one don’t happen more often — and that’s a credit to the way racing has evolved.
I enjoyed interviewing Dan a handful of times each May for the last two years at the Indianapolis 500. He was always so genuine, and always so engaged in the conversation. He loved the company of others and I don’t think I ever saw him decline an autograph or photo request.
Wheldon was a fun interview and he always took the interview in a variety of directions. His warm smile was contagious, highlighted by his British accent and sparkling white teeth.
“This is a dangerous sport,” Tony Kanaan said. “I know we’re exposed to that everyday in a normal life as well but you don’t think about it. Today you have to think about it. I lost one of my best friends and one of my greatest teammates…I think I’m getting old, I’ve been through way too many of these already. It puts life in perspective for sure.”
We will never forget Dan Wheldon — a man of character, and a man who lived each day to the fullest. After kicking over the obstacles in his path, the two-time Indy 500 champion is onto greater things, in a better place.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Thoughts and prayers with the Wheldon family. R.I.P. Dan. (Feel free to leave your memories or interactions with Dan below).
Well written, agreed
42 years ago, I was almost born at a race track while my dad was racing. My Uncle is the oldest living man to ever win the Indy 500. Back in May, he was asked to make a guest appearance at an Indy race, however, he declined bc it was the same day that his granddaughter graduated from high school (even though his own children & grandchild offered to skip graduation to go with him)! What a humble man…..as most race car drivers are! I was born & raised racing. My dad has retired from racing after many midget & sprint car championships, however my 18 year old son races, so I’m constantly worried about an accident like today. Thank you for your contribution to auto racing & RIP Dan Wheldon
You are gone, but you are not forgotten… You will leave behind so many great things for others to live by. RIP in Dan Wheldon.
RIP Dan, you were definetly taken way to soon!! I had the great honor of putting Dan in his Pace Car for the Parade in Indy!! In those 3-4 times I will forget his smile and the way he carried himself!! He will be missed by more people than he probably ever thought! My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family overseas and his Wife and Sons!!
sorry meant to say NOT FORGET!!