Editor’s Blog – Dan Wheldon dies at Las Vegas Speedway

This is not the article I wanted to write this morning. I am meant to be congratulating a new IndyCar Champion but sadly the focus was on another driver last night.

Dan Wheldon started in last place on the grid at the Las Vegas Speedway yesterday. Within 10 laps he had gained as many places but as carnage unfolded in front of him he was helpless to avoid an accident.

The race was red-flagged and Wheldon was airlifted to hospital. Commentators desperately attempted to reassure viewers that IndyCar protocol is to stabilise a driver at the track before transporting them to hospital but as the two-hour mark passed there were few who did not fear the worst.

All drivers were called for a meeting in the Media Centre. As they emerged the press were informed that no driver would be giving interviews before an official statement from IndyCar.

Words were not necessary. Tony Kanaan made his way back to the KV Racing mechanics before taking a seat on the pitwall and breaking down into tears. His wife and team owner attempted to console him but it was clear what news was about to break. As Wheldon's death was announced, Sky Sports had to cut a link short as its presenter burst into tears.

Wheldon began racing at the age of four. At six, he met a young Dario Franchitti who would later become a rival and good friend when the two moved to America to follow their dreams of racing. After spending his teenage years racing in Formula Ford in the UK he made the trip to the United States in search of sponsorship. Within three years, an IndyCar debut with Panther Racing beckoned.

A seat became available within Andretti Geen Racing for the 2003 season and Wheldon took Rookie of the Year honours. His first victory came the next season in Japan - it was the first of two victories that year before eventually finishing second in the Championship behind teammate Tony Kanaan. A year later he was champion.

In 2005 he was series champion and also became the first English driver to win the Indianapolis 500 since Graham Hill in 1966. He spent the next three years with the Chip Ganassi team but struggled to match the success with Andretti.

After two difficult seasons with Panther Racing in 2009 and 2010, a lack of financial backing left Wheldon without a drive for this season. He kept himself busy by working as a commentator and becoming the test driver for the 2012 prototype car.

The opportunity arose to race in the 2011 Indy 500. After starting from the third row of the grid he made his way up to second place. On the last lap, the driver that replaced him at Panther Racing, JR Hildebrand, hit the wall, destroying the right-hand side of his car. Wheldon flew past to take his second victory on one of the world’s biggest stages.

He returned for the last two races of the season and was thought to be set to replace Danica Patrick at Andretti Autosport as she prepares for a switch to NASCAR next season. On lap 11, Wheldon’s car was lost in a melee of broken cars and fireballs.

As the drivers were strapped back into their cars for the 5 lap tribute, Dario Franchitti was just one of many in tears. He said: “We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships, it's what we love to do, it's what we live for, and then on days like today it doesn't really matter.

“We lost, I lost, a good friend, everyone in the IZOD IndyCar Series considered Dan a friend. He was just one of those special, special people.”

Twitter tributes to Dan Wheldon

Emmerson Fittipaldi: “I have seen many fine men/racers leave us prematurely over my lifetime, it is an unfortunate part of our sport. Godspeed Dan Wheldon.”

Ryan Briscoe: “I don't have words for the tragic loss of Dan today. He was a good man and will be missed by all of us. The 5 lap parade was a nice touch and very emotional from inside the race car. Looked like world war 3 hit turn 2 as well.”

Graham Rahal: “My heart goes out to the Wheldon family. Dan was an incredible champion, a great friend, great guy, and someone to look up to. We never like to see any family member down, injured or anything and today we lost one of the greatest members of our family.”

Danica Patrick: “There are no words for today. Myself and so many others are devastated. I pray for Susie and the kids that god will give them strength.”

JR Hildebrand: “What a tremendously sad day, my thoughts are with the entire Wheldon family. Dan's passion for IndyCar racing will be sorely missed.”

Paul Di Resta: “Very sad news that a great racer died. Rest in peace Dan. Thoughts are with your family.”

Scott Dixon: “My dearest friend Danny boy. Thank you for everything! Your an amazing driver and man. I will miss you so badly. Luv ya mate.”

Jenson Button: “I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early 90's, a true fighter. We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy.”

Michael Andretti: “Huge loss to all of the racing world to lose a great friend and driver Dan Wheldon. Our prayers are with Susie and their children. RIP Dan”

Marco Andretti: “I looked up to you both as a racing driver and a person/friend. You will be forever missed. RIP Dan Wheldon.”

Nigel Mansell: “Just heard the dreadful news of Dan Wheldon. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family. A great young man with so much talent.”

Tony Kanaan: “No words to describe the pain. See you on the other side my dear friend. You will be missed.”

Rubens Barrichello: “Will always remember the great times we had at karting in Brazil my friend. Rest in peace Dan Wheldon.”

Wayne Rooney: “Sad news about Dan Wheldon. RIP. News like this puts everything into perspective”

Dario Franchitti: “Rest in peace Danny boy, we'll miss you my friend. Everyone please keep the Wheldon family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Paul Tracy: “I have no words for what has happened, RIP Danny.”

Will Power: "Such a sad day to lose a champion like Dan Wheldon...my thoughts and prayers are with Susie and his kids."

Alex Lloyd: "This is one of the saddest days of my life. Can't believe we have lost him. He was a true champion and a great friend."

Helio Castroneves: "It's a huge loss. Let us pray that his soul is received with all the glories of the Kingdom of God and sustain his family."

Juan Pablo Montoya: "Life is not fair. We are going to miss a really great guy. Dan we are going to miss you."

Anthony Davidson: "Spent so many races trying to match Daniel as we grew up and raced together. I'm utterly devastated to hear the sad news. RIP Dan." 

Mike Conway: "So sad that Dan Wheldon was taken from us. Thoughts and wishes are with his family. I knew already, but motorsport can be so cruel!"

Lewis Hamilton: “Dan was a racer I’d followed throughout my career, I often followed in his footsteps as we climbed the motorsport ladder in the UK. He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy, who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspiration and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration. This is a tragic loss at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”