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17/10/2011
British Racer Dies During IndyCar Pile-Up
British racing driver and IndyCar star, Dan Wheldon, has died during an accident in Sunday’s IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The Buckinghamshire-born driver, 33, was one of 15 involved in a crash at the second corner on lap 13 of the season-concluding race.
Wheldon began his career in British cadet karting in the late 1980s and went on to win eight national titles, including the 1993 MSA British Junior Kart Championship. He took his first steps into car racing in Formula Vauxhall Junior and Formula Ford, before heading to the US in 1999 and dominating the F2000 National Championship.
Wheldon became a full-time IndyCar Series driver in 2003, and two years later secured his maiden victory in the world famous Indianapolis 500 en route to the championship title. He won the Indy 500 for a second time earlier this year in his first race start of the season.
The Motor Sports Association (MSA) said it extended its deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: “Dan was considered one of the finest British racing drivers of his generation, thanks to his 2005 IndyCar Series title and his pair of Indy 500 victories. On behalf of the British motor sport community I would like to send my sincere condolences to Dan’s family, friends and legions of fans at this difficult time.”
The accident occurred at the oval-shaped Las Vegas track when a number of cars contacted on turn two, sending several of them airborne, smashing into the outside wall and catch fence.
The cars were travelling over 200mph.
Wheldon was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center where he was joined by his wife Susie and two young sons Sebastian and Oliver.
(DW)
The Buckinghamshire-born driver, 33, was one of 15 involved in a crash at the second corner on lap 13 of the season-concluding race.
Wheldon began his career in British cadet karting in the late 1980s and went on to win eight national titles, including the 1993 MSA British Junior Kart Championship. He took his first steps into car racing in Formula Vauxhall Junior and Formula Ford, before heading to the US in 1999 and dominating the F2000 National Championship.
Wheldon became a full-time IndyCar Series driver in 2003, and two years later secured his maiden victory in the world famous Indianapolis 500 en route to the championship title. He won the Indy 500 for a second time earlier this year in his first race start of the season.
The Motor Sports Association (MSA) said it extended its deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: “Dan was considered one of the finest British racing drivers of his generation, thanks to his 2005 IndyCar Series title and his pair of Indy 500 victories. On behalf of the British motor sport community I would like to send my sincere condolences to Dan’s family, friends and legions of fans at this difficult time.”
The accident occurred at the oval-shaped Las Vegas track when a number of cars contacted on turn two, sending several of them airborne, smashing into the outside wall and catch fence.
The cars were travelling over 200mph.
Wheldon was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center where he was joined by his wife Susie and two young sons Sebastian and Oliver.
(DW)
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