The Tragic Death of Dan Wheldon
It took us a moment to write about the accident which took Indy sensation Dan Wheldon’s life this past weekend, because frankly we’re still in shock. It’s not surprising; when you travel around an enclosed course at 250 miles per hour, accidents lurk at every corner.
But racing and vehicle technology have become so advanced, we’ve started to think drivers are invincible. Look at incidents of recent years; intense destruction but less deaths occur thanks to improvements made by Indy Car over the decades. With these advancements comes greater speed, allowing cars to travel faster, and drivers to navigate hairier turns. We take it for granted how quickly it can come to a halt.
Two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon (age 33) was sent airborne during a 15 car collision at last week’s Las Vegas 300 event. “It was like a movie scene,” said champion driver Danica Patrick. “It was debris everywhere across the whole track. You could smell the smoke.”
A chain reaction during the 12th lap caused Wheldon to launch off of Paul Tracy’s car. “I saw two cars touch each other in front of me,” adds Tracy. “Then Dan’s car…came over my back wheel and over top of me.” Wheldon’s car hit the ground and broke into hundreds of pieces, then exploded. Three other drivers were hurt, though not seriously. When hearing of Wheldon’s death shortly after the crash, remaining drivers performed a 5-lap tribute.
Dan Whelon is survived by his wife and two young children. So long, Wheldon, and good luck, champ.
Source: NY Post
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