Not much good can be said about what has happened in Las Vegas today. Dan Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, died after suffering major injuries in a crash 13 laps into the last race of the 2011 season. Two drivers were going for the Championship, Dario Franchitti and Will Power; Danica Patrick was saying farewell to the sport, Dan Wheldon was going for the $5 Million, and 34 drivers going for a trophy.
Wheldon, a two-time Indy 500 winner, had gone into the catch fence head first. His and 14 other cars, Will Power’s including, were mangled on the back stretch. Crews scrambled to get the drivers out of their cars and the cars off the track. Cars were airborne, on fire, losing parts and pieces. The wreck took out almost half the field. Four of the 15 drivers involved in the wreck were transported to the local hospital: Pippa Mann, JR Hildebrand (JR lost the Indy 500 to Wheldon after crashing coming to the checkered flag), Will Power (He had gone later after complaining about lower back pain), and Wheldon, who was airlifted by helicopter.
Dario Franchitti clinched the championship, but no one was in the mood to celebrate. One of their own’s future was unknown at that point. Everything was uncertain. The uncertain condition of Wheldon. The uncertain condition of the race. What was going to happen to the rest of the race?
About two hours after the wreck, officials went into the Media Center to announce that Dan Wheldon had passed away at the hospital. This new rocked the social media world. Just like that, Wheldon was gone. Officials cancelled the rest of the race. The drivers decided to give Wheldon a 5-lap tribute. (here’s the video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2PMUNsuZWA)Today was a sad day for only the Indy Car Series, but for the whole racing world in general.
Here’s what the fans had to say about Dan Wheldon:
Steph Piech first Indy Car driver i ever rooted for when i first started watching the series a few years ago! He seemed like a great guy... smile on his face... down-to-earth. it just seems like a dream :-/ i wish this was just some cruel joke and that he'd be racin' next year... :'-(
Larry Spencer III Hell of a driver, a class act
KristenKahne4 He inspired me. I cannot believe this is how it ended. It isn't supposed to go like that
kchamber2121 Dan Wheldon was an amazing race car driver and I had chills when he won the Indy 500. a truly wonderful driver and person
babbzabbz I keep thinking...what if that had been Johnson last night. :( So saddening.
nascarsweetie99 I didn't watch Indy races a lot. But I will always remember his smile and joy. He truly appreciated all that he had.
Courtnieebaby24 He will always be a champion. His family especially his two sons gained a guardian angel today <3 <3
cmmack426 he was a great guy, saw him win at Indy and no one booed, he was a loving father and husband and he will be missed
LeBron James: R.I.P to Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldon! Dies In 15-Car Crash At Las Vegas Race #tragedy. You'll be missed from Sports
Jerry Rice: My condolences goes out to the family of Dan Wheldon.
Reba McEntire: My heart and prayers go out to Dan Wheldon's family and everyone in the racing community. My heart hurts.
Kurt Warner: My heart & prayers go out 2 family & friends of Dan Wheldon who was killed 2day in a LV crash! That God b with u during this difficult time!
God may have taken you from us early, but you will always be in our Hearts, Dan Wheldon. You will be missed. As a final farewell, I will leave you with the words of Marty Reid.
'Many people ask me why I always sign off Till We Meet Again, because goodbye is always so final. Goodbye Dan Wheldon.'
