Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

Before I start, motorsport is dangerous sport. No matter if its Go-Karting, motorbikes, Formula 1, Indy Car, any kind of Motorsport is dangerous, but motorsport can be safer between tracks, fans, specators, tracks marshells, people in pits, cars and drivers too.

This was written on the Monday Evening (17/10/11) I'm still on holiday, found out the death of this years Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon on Monday Afternoon while looking on my iPod touch on the BBC website in a cafe in Northern Cyprus.


Dan Wheldon was competing in the final round of the Indy Car Series championship at Las Vegas Raceway, where Dan Wheldon was moving his way through the 34-car field after starting from the back of the pack, which was part of his $5 million challenge to win the race. Then on lap 11 Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-car accident multi-car pile-up resulted in a red flag. His was one of the last cars to get involved in the crash, and was sent flying from the bottom of the racetrack into the wall on the outside.

Wheldon's Dallara suffered severe damage to the topside, including its rollhoop structure. He was airlifted from the circuit to University Medical Centre in Las Vegas, but all medical efforts were to no answer. Dan Wheldon subsequently died of his injuries. Dan Wheldon was 33 years old. This was the first Indy Car death since Paul Dana death at Homestead (Miami) back in 2006.

Condolences goes to Dans family and friends, His will possibly the best British driver outside the F1 bubble. Possibly the best in his era, which includes Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson, they where used to race in go-karts when there were kids.

But, his career in Indy Car Series is remarkable, 2003 IRL Indy Car Series Rookie of the Year in his first full season in Indy Car with Andretti-Green Racing (minus two races in 2002 with Panther Racing). Then Indianapolis 500 Winner in 2005 and than later in the season winning overall IRL Indy Car Series Champion with Andretti-Green Racing.

Then he could've driven in Formula 1 back in 2006 with the BMW Sauber team, instead BMW Sauber kept with Jacques Villeneunve as a number two driver for the season, until the middle of the season when Robert Kubica replace Villeneunve as a driver. Instead Wheldon drive for Chip Ganassi Racing for the next three seasons, and almost winning the championship again in 2006.

Then in 2009-2010 move backed to Panther Racing, almost winning both Indianapolis 500 (both seconds places in 2009, 2010). Then without a full-time drive in 2011, won Indianapolis 500 Winner with Bryan Herta Racing on last lap of 200. Then done the final two races with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, with 2012 with a full-time drive for Andretti Racing for a multi-year deal to replace driver Danica Patrick, who was going to NASCAR next season.

But, the legacy for Dan Wheldon will be with the new 2012 Dallara Indy Car, that he developed throughout late 2011 for the 2012 Indy Car season. On 18th October, Dallara announced that the 2012 series car would be named after Wheldon in honour of his work of developing the car.

Rest in Peace Dan Wheldon, you will be much missed.

Jonathan