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PIONEER REPORTER EXCLUSIVE: Wheldon Dies at Indy Race

Drivers take Turn 2 just a few laps before the crash.

LAS VEGAS – Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Dan Wheldon, died Sunday after a colossal 15-car fiery collision which sent debris and cars spiraling through the air at 223 mph at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Just 13 laps into the IndyCar Championship race, two cars made contact outside of the second turn and set off a chain of accidents.
Debris covered the track while thick clouds of smoke obscured the view of the drivers. At least five cars caught fire and Wheldon’s car was catapulted over Paul Tracey’s before smashing into a fence.
The rescue team got to Wheldon’s car immediately following the crash and he was air lifted to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Medical Center.
This catastrophic accident has been recorded as the biggest multi-car collision in IndyCar racing history.
“I’ve been going to races for over 40 years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said lifelong Indy racing fan Evelyn Malarcik. “It was terrifying. I was so scared when it happened. I had just hoped that everyone was okay.”
As these cars fly around the track at speeds over 200 mph, they are only inches apart from one another, leaving no room for error.
Wheldon, who had agreed to start off in last place as part of a challenge for a chance to win $5 million, was unable to avoid the chaos in front of him.
As he drove through the mayhem, Wheldon made contact with another car, which sent him airborne before his car burst into flames and disintegrated into the track’s catch fence.
Apart from the 15 cars that were damaged, repair crews had to report to the track to repair a hole in the fence and multiple holes in the asphalt resulting from the collision.
Immediately following the accident, a deafening silence came over the crowd.
Thousands of fans sat in the stands, watching and awaiting updates on the conditions of the drivers.
Four F-16 jets flew over the track, which left a solemn feeling in the atmosphere.
The accident sent the race into an instant red-flag-zone, and about an hour and a half later, all the drivers were called into a meeting.
During the meeting, it was reported that driver Danika Patrick was seen crying uncontrollably and many drivers were refusing to go back on the track.
“It’s bloody madness,” said 2011 IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti. “The drivers are in a dangerous situation because, I’m ashamed to say, these cars aren’t equipped for these tracks and now we see the result of that.”
Two hours after the race went into red flag, the CEO of IndyCar Randy Bernard called a press conference to announce the passing of 33-year-old Dan Wheldon.
“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” said Bernard. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners have decided to end the race.”
It was also announced that the drivers would participate in a five lap tribute for Wheldon. The entire stadium was on their feet and teary eyed as they watched the drivers make their way back to the track, preparing to complete the salute to their friend and one of IndyCar’s most memorable stars.
Every car that was not damaged in the collision was on the track, and everyone who was not in a car—including owners, teammates, mechanics, safety crew and members of the National Guard—was standing side-by-side at pit row to participate in the salute.
As the cars made their way around the 1.5 mile track, fans cheered, cried and waved their hats in remembrance of Wheldon. It was a tribute worthy of a champion.
Feelings of compassion, melancholy and solidarity filled the stadium.
Sunday marked the first time since 2005 that this Indy race has been held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
This was a highly anticipated race as the top two championship contenders Dario Franchitti and Will Power would be going head-to-head for the championship title.
Power, whose car also flipped in the midst of the madness, was taken to the University Medical Center for back injuries.
Since the massive pile-up knocked number one contender Power out of the race, Franchitti was named the 2011 IndyCar Series Champion.
IndyCar racing is an extreme sport. Every time drivers get on the track, there is the potential for disaster.
Since 1996, there have been four fatalities in the IndyCar Series including Wheldon.
Wheldon began racing for the IndyCar Series in 2003 and in those short eight years, he has become a champion not only in the Indy 500 but in the series itself.
During his first year in the league he was given the Rookie of the Year award, and within two years he won the Indy 500 and the IndyCar Series Championship.
Wheldon was only the 18th person in IndyCar’s 100-year long history to win the Indianapolis 500 mile race more than once.
Born June 22, 1978, English native Wheldon moved to the United States in 1999 with hopes of winning the Indianapolis 500.
People who know him describe him as someone who is loved by everyone. He was said to be always smiling, laughing and joking around.
Over the course of his career, he had 16 IndyCar wins, 43 podium appearances, won five pole positions and held 93 top-ten finishes.
Prior to this accident, Wheldon was working with the league as a tester for safer Indy cars to be used next year.
He is survived by his wife Susie, his 2-year-old son Sebastian and his 7-month-old son Oliver.

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PIONEER REPORTER EXCLUSIVE: Wheldon Dies at Indy Race