R.I.P Dan Wheldon

[GransportFan1]

British Indy Car driver Dan Wheldon was killed last night after his car caught fire after an accident. Thoughts with his family.

 

[BigFoot]

I have always had a soft spot for US car racing series (though I have not warmed up to Nascar yet). It really started when Mansell went over to Indy and become the first and only one to hold simultaneously the titles of F1 and Indycar champion.

Anyway, when I read the news this morning I couldn't believe it. I am yet to see the crash and probably won't, I much rather remember him winning races.

May he rest in peace.

 

[GransportFan1]

Quite a nasty crash, few cars involved, amazed only 1 person was killed. Like you say, he was a great talent and won the Indy 500 twice, died at 33. Tragic.

 

[dickygrace]

Tragic, very sad, great driver, as he drove in USA, he probably won't be in the news here but thoughts go out to his family. Terrible crash.

 

[marcos]

Front page of the Metro so some coverage.

34 cars on the grid, a narrow Las vegas track and all racing for big prize money. I guess it was on the cards there would be a big incident of some kind, but looking at the crash, he was so unlucky to be flipped again so his roolhoop went into the fencing. Nightmare.

 

[lozcb]

Yeps guys been plastered all over the news since 6 this morning , absolutely tragic loss of life and talent ,my thoughts go out to his family and friends ,

It does go to show how relatively safe F1 is compared to Nascar , they do still have regular frightening crashes , heard one newscaster say that probably would have been the way he wanted to go , doing something he loved .....eh i dont think so


regards loz

 

[Andyk]

Always sad to hear when someone dies for their passion....Sad news..

 

[conaero]

Terrible, terrible news.

I was watching the report this morning in to the technicals of the Indie cars and they are considered very unsafe and are the same car that has been running for the last 9 years.

You can see why, its been a while since I saw an F1 car burst into flames.....historically the biggest killer in F1.

Very sad.

 

[dickygrace]

How wrong I was, all over the news. Terrible day for motorsport.

 

[Emtee]

A tragic and unnecessary loss of life, but I have to say that it was an accident waiting to happen. Too many cars, not enough tarmac, and all hemmed in by a concrete barrier inches from their right wheels - madness. I used to enjoy watching Indie and Nascar, but way too many accidents where cars go airborne over others into the barrier.

I wish to God it hadn't happened, but hope it at least leads to safer conditions going forward.

 

[lozcb]

A tragic and unnecessary loss of life, but I have to say that it was an accident waiting to happen. Too many cars, not enough tarmac, and all hemmed in by a concrete barrier inches from their right wheels - madness. I used to enjoy watching Indie and Nascar, but way too many accidents where cars go airborne over others into the barrier.

I wish to God it hadn't happened, but hope it at least leads to safer conditions going forward.

Litterally just heard an interview with Sir Jackie Stewart , basically condemning the whole idea of nascar and how they select the drivers and cars , some only race once a year , very bizzare


regards loz

 

[2b1ask1]

I was listening ti the radio earlier and it seems that Dan had spent much of his last year developing and testing a revised chassis format for indy racing that is much safer particularly for ovals as it brings the rear wheels inboard reducing the airborn results of light contact.... Yesterday's race was the very last race of the old chassis design, as he had no seat for the race he was on a personal challenge to get from the back of the grid to the front to win a $5 millinon prize fund 50% to be given to a random fan.... In 13 laps he'd already got past 10 of the opposition but was unsighted behind the innitial contact.

Tragic and so ironic.....

 

[Grinzzz]

Watched this happen last night, in the run up to the incident there were quite a few close calls. As it unfolded the wife, daughter and I were very quiet; seeing dario in floods almost had me welling up too. Such a sad and tragic loss; hopefully indy organisers learn from this one. Even when the final 5 salute laps ran there was little room between the cars with only half the field on track.

Rest in peace, Dan.

 

[Maser Sod]

That's one **** of an accident, horrible to watch.

Did they report on the condition of any of the other guys? I can't believe that everyone else got away injury-free.

 

[Andyk]

Only just seen it..Truly horrible.......

 

[dem maser]

Its bad.....i did cringe when i saw it.....

 

[Grinzzz]

Did they report on the condition of any of the other guys? I can't believe that everyone else got away injury-free.

ABC were reporting 4 were hospitalised, including Dan, last night. I know Pippa had surgery but was released, not sure about the others.