Racing world mourns Dan Wheldon after tragic IndyCar crash

The world of motorsport was today mourning the death of “inspirational” British driver Dan Wheldon, who died after a high-speed race crash in America.

Wheldon was involved in a 15-vehicle pile-up while competing in yesterday’s Las Vegas Indy 300, his car flying over another and bursting into flames.

The 33-year-old was taken to hospital by helicopter but died of his injuries.

Dario Franchitti – who was confirmed as the IndyCar 2011 champion yesterday – said there had been warning signs before the crash.

“I could see within five laps people were starting to do crazy stuff,” Wheldon’s former Andretti Green team-mate, who was not involved in the crash, said.

“I love hard racing but that to me is not really what it’s about. One small mistake from somebody...”

Franchetti said he was “numb and speechless”, and said of Wheldon: “He was six years old when I first met him. He was this little kid and the next thing you know he was my team-mate.

“We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships and today it doesn’t matter.”

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton led tributes to Wheldon.

Hamilton said: “Dan was a racer I’d followed throughout my career, as I often followed in his footsteps as we climbed the motorsport ladder in the UK.

“He was an extremely talented driver. As a British guy who not only went over to the States but who twice won the Indy 500, he was an inspirational guy, and someone that every racing driver looked up to with respect and admiration.

“This is a tragic loss at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”

Jenson Button said: “I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early Nineties, a true fighter. We’ve lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy.

“I can’t begin to imagine what his family are going through and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”

Wheldon, a father of two young sons, Oliver and Sebastian, had been in line to receive five million US dollars had he won the race.

The accident happened on the 11th lap of the race, in which drivers reached speeds of more than 200mph.

The impact sent several cars flying through the air and smashing into the outside wall and protective fence.

With cars smouldering and debris littering the track, the race was red-flagged.

IndyCar chief executive Randy Bernard said: “IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries.”

Mr Bernard said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.

“IndyCar, its drivers and team owners has decided to end the race. In honour of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute in his honour.”

Buckinghamshire-born Wheldon, who lived with his wife Susie and sons in Florida, won 16 times in his IndyCar career.

Yesterday he started at the back of the 34-car line-up but quickly made his way through the field before the pile-up, which injured three other drivers.

His colleagues were told of his death around two hours after he was airlifted from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway track to University Medical Centre.

Wheldon becomes the first IndyCar death since American rookie Paul Dana was killed in a practice session five years ago.