It’s a sad day for IndyCar: Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died Sunday after he was involved in a multi-car wreck at an IndyCar race in Las Vegas, IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said. More details after the jump…
The race was stopped and the remaining drivers, many of whom were visibly emotional after emerging from a meeting with IndyCar officials, will do a five-lap salute in Wheldon’s honor, Bernard told reporters.
More than a dozen cars were involved in the fiery crash. Video of the accident showed cars spinning out of control, bursting into flames, and shooting smoke and debris into the air.
Championship contender Will Power and Rookie of the Year candidate J.R. Hildebrand were also involved in the crash, according to the official Twitter page of the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Wheldon, 33, was in line to win $5 million if he captured the checkered flag at Sunday’s race.
After his second Indy 500 victory, Wheldon talked with CNN’s “American Morning” about the intensity of the race track.
“We’re doing speeds in excess of 225 miles per hour. With this race, you never know what can happen. It’s about staying focused and you really don’t ever let off the power unless you have to,” he said.
