Dan Wheldon

Dan Wheldon (22 June 1978 – 16 October 2011 an English Indy Car Racing driver. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and two time winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011. Wheldon, who was born in Emberton, England, took up karting at the age of four with funding from his father, he progressed through the junior ranks of motor racing and then Moved to the United States in 1999, he spent several years in lower open-wheeled circuits like the U.S. F2000 Championship Series, the Toyota Atlantic series and the Indy Lights series. In 2002, Wheldon moved up to the IRL IndyCar Series. in 2005 not only did he win he win the 2005 Indianapolis 500 he won the IndyCar Series championship. His six victories in 2005 also broke the record for most victories in one season (under IRL sanction). Dan won the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance sports car race with Chip Ganassi Racing driving with teammates Scott Dixon and Ganassi NASCAR driver Casey Mears. Today during the IZOD IndyCar Series season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Wheldon was involved in a 15-car accident during lap 11 of the race. The massive pile-up resulted in a red flag. Wheldon was airlifted to UMC hospital with what were described as serious injuries. He was 33 years old.



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