Two-time Indianpolis 500 winner and popular race car driver Dan Wheldon died following a horrible multi-car crash during the 11th lap of the IndyCar Series season finale, the Las Vegas Indy 300.
At least 15 cars were involved in the crash. Wheldon’s car spun out of control and struck a wall. Three other drivers also sustained injuries.
“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.”
Wheldon won the Indianpolis 500 twice, in 2005 and 2011. He had been expected to take the place of Danica Patrick next season, who is moving to NASCAR in 2012, in the Go-Daddy-sponsored car for Andretti Autosport. Wheldon was making just his third start of the IndyCar series.
“I’ll tell you, I’ve never seen anything like it,” driver Ryan Briscoe said. “The debris we all had to drive through the lap later, it looked like a war scene from Terminator or something.”
Video of the crash is below:
Not Intent on Arriving 