Wheldon succumbs to injuries sustained at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

2005 IndyCar series champion Dan Wheldon has died at the IndyCar series finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The 33 year old enjoyed a successful career that included two victories at the Indy 500. Wheldon, who was close to securing a drive in the 2012 IndyCar series was competing for a $5 million dollar prize. The challenge, open to any non-regular IndyCar driver, involved winning the race from the back of the 34 car grid.

The 15 car accident wiped out 40% of the field, but it was Wheldon’s car that sustained the most damage. The car suffered damage to its topside, including the roll hoop which was unable to withstand the 220 mph accident.

Following the accident Wheldon was transferred by air to University Medical Centre Las Vegas, but doctors were unable to save the British driveer.

IndyCar chief Randy Bernard confirmed the news at 3pm, local time (11pm GMT) saying: “IndyCar is very sad to announce Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries.” Wheldon’s fellow competitors had a meeting prior to the announcement and looked visibly upset upon leaving. It was in this meeting that a 5 lap salute in Wheldon’s honour was announced along with the end of the race.

IndyCar will restart in 2012 with an all new car, designed to improve safety.

Wheldon (1978-2011)