Dan Wheldon enjoyed a short but sparkling career. Growing up in England, he began racing at the tender age of four years old. As his karting success grew, people began to speculate that this young man could go on to become the world’s best racing driver.
At age 16, Wheldon would regularly take time off work to race. He moved to America to pursue his career, and after several years in the Indy Lights series, was called up to the Indy Racing Series in early 2002. He won the IRL Indy Car Series Rookie Of The Year in 2003. Beginning in Panther Racing as teammate to Sam Hornish Jr, the signs of Wheldon’s skill were clear from the outset. Dan Wheldon made his dream a reality when in 2005 he won the Indianapolis 500 and followed that up with overall victory in the Indy Car Series later that year. He won the Indy 500 a second time in May 2011.
Dan Wheldon also helped in the development of Simraceway, an online auto racing game. Simraceway is mostly used as a training tool for young racers hoping to get into the industry.
Personal Life
Dan Wheldon married his long time personal assistant, Susie Behm, in 2008. The couple had two sons, Sebastian and Oliver. The family lives in St. Petersburg in Florida.
Horrific Crash Claims The Life Of Dan Wheldon
In the final race of the 2011 IZOD Indy Car Series, Wheldon was involved in a 15 car crash late in the race. The massive pile up, which resulted in a red flag, saw cars and debris scattered all over the track. Wheldon was attended to immediately by race officials. Following several attempts to revive him on the track, the medics took Wheldon to hospital with serious injuries. Dan Wheldon died from these injuries in hospital.
The Motorsport World In Mourning
Dan Wheldon is survived by his family. The Indy Car Series issued a statement saying “we are extremely saddened and shocked to hear of Dan’s passing”. The Indy Car drivers held a five lap salute at the Las Vegas Speedway in honour of the fallen driver. There is no word yet on where or when a memorial will be held. We went into today’s race hoping to see a new champion crowned. In reality we are leaving the event in mourning.
The greatest feats of Wheldon's career were winning the Indy 500 twice, and becoming the series champion.
Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon.
Sources:
NZ Sports Yahoo (video). Accessed 17 October 2011.
Motorsport.com - Statements on the passing of Dan Wheldon. Accessed 17 October 2011.
