British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon died yesterday following a massive accident at the Las Vegas Indy 300.
The Buckinghamshire-born star, 33, was one of 15 drivers involved in a crash at the second corner on lap 11 of the season-ending race.
Wheldon, who began IndyCar racing in 2002, was series champion in 2005 and won the Indy 500 in 2005 and 2011.
Lewis Hamilton, 2008 Formula 1 world champion, said: “This is a tragic loss at such a young age.”
He added: “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.
“My heart goes out to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”
The accident at the oval-shaped Las Vegas track happened when a number of cars came into contact on turn two, sending several of them airborne, smashing into the outside wall and catch fence. The cars were traveling at speeds of over 200mph.
With cars burning and debris littering the track, the race was red-flagged.
It was the first-ever death at the circuit in its 40-year history.
Wheldon was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center where he was joined by his family – including his wife Susie and two young sons Sebastian and Oliver – but his death was announced to his fellow drivers in a meeting back at the track. (BBC)
