Rest in peace, Dan Wheldon

 

Roar Rookie

By The Radical, 18 Oct 2011 The Radical is a Roar Rookie

Tagged:

 Dan Wheldon, Indy 500, IndyCar racing, indycars, Motorsport

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It is a sad day for the motorsport community as we mourn the loss of one of IndyCar’s most talented and successful drivers, Englishman Dan Wheldon.

It is inappropriate to discuss details of the crash, rather it is a time to look back and celebrate his achievements.

Wheldon was the 2005 IndyCar series (then known as Indy Racing League) champion, as well as claiming the holy grail – the Indianapolis 500 – on two occasions in 2005 and 2011, on his way to winning no less than sixteen events.

He only conceded the 2006 title after tying on points with Sam Hornish Jr, before being relegated to second place on countback of wins.

The Englishman also won the 24 Hours of Daytona, and such was his talent, Wheldon was was offered a drive in Formula One with the BMW Sauber team for the 2007 season.

Extremely likable throughout the paddock, Wheldon was scheduled to fly down under this week, to partner V8 Supercars’ Holden Racing Team driver James Courtney at this weekend’s Gold Coast 600.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of what dangers are presented by motorsport, and the thoughts and prayers of the motorsport community are with Dan Wheldon’s family.

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