R.I.P. Dan Wheldon
- Thread starter HaylRayzor
- 219 comments
- 27,483 views
- 1,870
- Chicago
- CrAzY_bAsSiSt_83
RIP Dan
Roo
Premium
- 7,453
- Hampshire, UK
- GTP_Roo
I spoke to Dan at the Goodwood Festival of Speed about 3 months ago. He was enjoying himself and had time for everyone; a real professional. He's the first racing driver I've been really aware of to die in a race; I haven't felt like this since Colin McRace died. My heart goes out to his wife and sons.
We'll miss you, Dan.
We'll miss you, Dan.
- 9,884
- Carthage, TN
- race_emhard
It just shows that even though racing is much safer than it was 10 years ago, you're still out there risking risking your life every time.
RIP Dan, you went out too early.
RIP Dan, you went out too early.
- 5,196
- Kuala Lumpur
- CHVRCHES_GTP
I don't know why I left my TV on because I didn't even have any intention to watch the race that night. However, I then heard somebody said ''Back ache'' and then I woke up seeing the race being red flagged. Thought it was fine though. So I went back to sleep but couldn't. I watch the TV again and heard the announcement of his death. As I was about to go to school, they were about to start the 5 laps of honor...
The crash was terrible, it's like I throw a bucket of Hot Wheels cars into a corner. His car suffered the most in the accident but he wasn't at fault at all. Shame we lost a great driver, personality and character in the paddock.
As I arrived to school, it was all gloomy and I honestly cried while sitting at the back of the hall. I think the last time I felt really bad was back in 2009 when Henry Surtees lost his life in an unfortunate incident.
My prayer and thoughts goes to him, his family, friends and anybody else who knows and have a close relationship with him. Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon.
The crash was terrible, it's like I throw a bucket of Hot Wheels cars into a corner. His car suffered the most in the accident but he wasn't at fault at all. Shame we lost a great driver, personality and character in the paddock.
As I arrived to school, it was all gloomy and I honestly cried while sitting at the back of the hall. I think the last time I felt really bad was back in 2009 when Henry Surtees lost his life in an unfortunate incident.
My prayer and thoughts goes to him, his family, friends and anybody else who knows and have a close relationship with him. Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon.
- 4,978
- Paris
Bruce McLaren found the right words for such a tragedy a few years before we lost him to the gods of racing, too.
"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone."
"To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy. It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone."
- 29,428
- Glasgow
- GTP_Mars
R.I.P Dan Wheldon
No amount of luck or talent would have prevented that accident - it's amazing no-one else was killed as well. A tragic loss
No amount of luck or talent would have prevented that accident - it's amazing no-one else was killed as well. A tragic loss
- 13,093
- United Kingdom
Do you think that a Dan Wheldon Memorial Indycar race at Silverstone is a good idea to end the season?
It was his local track, and could end the Indycar season (and all races with the old chassis) on a high for a good cause.
Some may find this a bad idea, others good. You decide.
R.I.P. Dan
It was his local track, and could end the Indycar season (and all races with the old chassis) on a high for a good cause.
Some may find this a bad idea, others good. You decide.
R.I.P. Dan
- 3,509
- Cumberland, BC
- GTP_BlacqueJack
Time now for reflection, not another race; RIP Dan Wheldon
- 3,591
- Lincolnshire
- GTP_Tommi2000
R.I.P. Dan 
Don't really know what to say as i'm still in shock about it all. Doesn't help that people and the media are speculating and talking crap.
👍
Also R.I.P to offroad Racer Rick Huseman who was killed in a plane crash on Saturday Night. http://www.rickhusemanracing.com/
Don't really know what to say as i'm still in shock about it all. Doesn't help that people and the media are speculating and talking crap.
👍
Also R.I.P to offroad Racer Rick Huseman who was killed in a plane crash on Saturday Night. http://www.rickhusemanracing.com/
- 156
- Aracaju/Sergipe/Brazil
- leonardo887
R.I.P Dan
- 3,130
- HaylRayzor
They called him on the radio just minutes before the crash to ask him if he thought he could win the $5 million. He said, "If I didn't think I could win I wouldn't be here." A competitor to the end.
- 9,741
- Las Vegas UTC-8
- Wardez
- Wardez
It was hard to bear. The crash at first didn't seem fatal to me. I didn't feel that he had any chance of dying because the helicopter and emergency crew didn't seem to be in a rush, I thoguht he was fine, death was the last thing on my mind. Seeing the drivers involved with my binoculars right after the accident I kept looking for Dan's car 'cause it was hard to figure out who was actually crashed. I had no idea Dan was even involved until I saw the 77, barely able to make it out, but the orange helped. So I got worried. Then they started talking about Tracy's comment, " He was hurt bad" and I got a sinking feeling, but I thought it might've been just him knocked out or with a broken bone.
It's terrible man, you just... you refuse to think for a second that a driver's passed away. But especially more so when you've witnessed the accident. The reaction from the crowd was completely human. When the crash happened we all realized it was serious so there was no whooping of hollering when it occurred.
The helicopter with Dan in it must've taken off about thirty minutes after the red flag. We all clapped as it flew overhead.
Another tragic part of it I just realized is that we all prayed for a safe race before the green flag. I didn't know this, but Indy has a traveling chaplain especially for pre-race sermons in order to bless the race and attempt to put a spiritual confidence in the drivers. It's just so tragic what happened.
We all sat in eerie silence for two hours, waiting for the driver's meeting to finish. Then we saw the drivers come out of the media center just looking like ghosts. Every one was crying or just hanging their heads down. So grim. That was hard to watch.
We waited two excruciating hours while the sun beat down and I didn't care, every minute that passed seemed to make the bad news seem more of a possibility. They were announcing that we've been waiting an hour and I couldn't believe that much time had already passed. Crews were working on the track because part of the tarmac was gouged from the accident and they were patching it.
We all assumed Dan was ok and the green flag was going to fly again.
Then a short while after the driver meeting had ended the track announcer let us know the reality of the situation. "Daniel Wheldon, has passed away"
I just lost it, I couldn't look at the track I just couldn't believe it happened. It hit me like a ton of bricks and it was just painful. I turns around and just buried my head in the benches. I didn't know what to do. I just hung my head and it was hard to maintain a regular breath. It was so shocking. So sad.
After that we all stood up while all the crews and staff lined up on pit lane to pay honor to him and his legacy. The announcers were telling personal stories about the different ways Dan's impacted their lives and it was so emotional to hear. Those were the most amazing and professional sports announcers I've ever heard. They made us strong enough to gather ourselves enough to pay homage to this great man.
They announced his wife and children and people were just crying.
Then the drivers got into their cars, some of them could not bear to be back on track. But 19 cars went out on a five lap tribute to Dan while they played amazing grace over the arena. It was somber and we clapped every time they went by.
It was so incredible to watch these men and women collectively mourning their loss on the track. This close fraternity of drivers that have just lost one of their fondest members. I was in complete awe of this demonstration of pure humanity and I don't think I'll ever witness sheer courage like that again.
They know the risks involved, they've witnessed the worst first hand. But they still went out there in their cars and they will still race and pershevere. It was beyond humbling. I feel like it changed me. I respect racing drivers more than I could have ever imagined. These people have the strongest sense of purpose imaginable. They know the risks and fly strong in front of them every day. Because of this I will never in my life take another driver's spirit of courage and determination for granted.
I'm just so sorry I had to be told in this manner.
After seeing the amazing Senna documentary dealing in the values of our most beloved racing heroes and the trials they put themselves through time and again, this moment I've witnessed in my life has brought it full circle.
Every once in a while the situation replays in my head so vividly and I just can't help myself. It keeps flashing back and I can't believe I saw it. It's so terrible.
These are my heroes, this is my inspiration to make myself a better human being. I only wish now that, in this time of tragedy, I could comfort them as they've comforted me so much through out my life as a motorsports fan by giving me the confidence to better myself, seek out more, feel my limits and absolutely chase my passion, whatever it may be.
Daniel Clive Wheldon did not die in vain. His passing will incur a new era of motorsport and his life will always be cherished as a man of great honor. Let his legacy inspire you to better yourself as a person and as a fan.
He will be missed, he will be missed.
It's terrible man, you just... you refuse to think for a second that a driver's passed away. But especially more so when you've witnessed the accident. The reaction from the crowd was completely human. When the crash happened we all realized it was serious so there was no whooping of hollering when it occurred.
The helicopter with Dan in it must've taken off about thirty minutes after the red flag. We all clapped as it flew overhead.
Another tragic part of it I just realized is that we all prayed for a safe race before the green flag. I didn't know this, but Indy has a traveling chaplain especially for pre-race sermons in order to bless the race and attempt to put a spiritual confidence in the drivers. It's just so tragic what happened.
We all sat in eerie silence for two hours, waiting for the driver's meeting to finish. Then we saw the drivers come out of the media center just looking like ghosts. Every one was crying or just hanging their heads down. So grim. That was hard to watch.
We waited two excruciating hours while the sun beat down and I didn't care, every minute that passed seemed to make the bad news seem more of a possibility. They were announcing that we've been waiting an hour and I couldn't believe that much time had already passed. Crews were working on the track because part of the tarmac was gouged from the accident and they were patching it.
We all assumed Dan was ok and the green flag was going to fly again.
Then a short while after the driver meeting had ended the track announcer let us know the reality of the situation. "Daniel Wheldon, has passed away"
I just lost it, I couldn't look at the track I just couldn't believe it happened. It hit me like a ton of bricks and it was just painful. I turns around and just buried my head in the benches. I didn't know what to do. I just hung my head and it was hard to maintain a regular breath. It was so shocking. So sad.
After that we all stood up while all the crews and staff lined up on pit lane to pay honor to him and his legacy. The announcers were telling personal stories about the different ways Dan's impacted their lives and it was so emotional to hear. Those were the most amazing and professional sports announcers I've ever heard. They made us strong enough to gather ourselves enough to pay homage to this great man.
They announced his wife and children and people were just crying.
Then the drivers got into their cars, some of them could not bear to be back on track. But 19 cars went out on a five lap tribute to Dan while they played amazing grace over the arena. It was somber and we clapped every time they went by.
It was so incredible to watch these men and women collectively mourning their loss on the track. This close fraternity of drivers that have just lost one of their fondest members. I was in complete awe of this demonstration of pure humanity and I don't think I'll ever witness sheer courage like that again.
They know the risks involved, they've witnessed the worst first hand. But they still went out there in their cars and they will still race and pershevere. It was beyond humbling. I feel like it changed me. I respect racing drivers more than I could have ever imagined. These people have the strongest sense of purpose imaginable. They know the risks and fly strong in front of them every day. Because of this I will never in my life take another driver's spirit of courage and determination for granted.
I'm just so sorry I had to be told in this manner.
After seeing the amazing Senna documentary dealing in the values of our most beloved racing heroes and the trials they put themselves through time and again, this moment I've witnessed in my life has brought it full circle.
Every once in a while the situation replays in my head so vividly and I just can't help myself. It keeps flashing back and I can't believe I saw it. It's so terrible.
These are my heroes, this is my inspiration to make myself a better human being. I only wish now that, in this time of tragedy, I could comfort them as they've comforted me so much through out my life as a motorsports fan by giving me the confidence to better myself, seek out more, feel my limits and absolutely chase my passion, whatever it may be.
Daniel Clive Wheldon did not die in vain. His passing will incur a new era of motorsport and his life will always be cherished as a man of great honor. Let his legacy inspire you to better yourself as a person and as a fan.
He will be missed, he will be missed.
- 7,551
- London
- MattyTheDog
Wardez
Very nicely written. Thanks.
- 44,185
- Blackburn
- Furinkazen_54
RIP Dan.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon, you will be missed by many.
- 181
- St. Louis, Mo.
- RockRoadKid
I dont't really follow Indy car racing, but I saw the replay of that horrible crash. Truly a sad day. R.I.P. Dan.
- 1,137
Man... What a tragic accident... This is the second time I saw a driver dieing in a motor race, the first one was Surtees two years ago and now Dan.
Im not a big follower of Indy Car, but yesterday evening, I had nothing to do and a friend sent me a link to the livestream of the race... After 2-3 minutes the crash happened.
After this I went to the autosport forum and read the thread about this race. With each minute passing, I hoped that someone would comfirm "He is ok!"...
This morning I re read the thread and it was heartbraking
Here if you want to re read it too: http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=155633
Im not a big follower of Indy Car, but yesterday evening, I had nothing to do and a friend sent me a link to the livestream of the race... After 2-3 minutes the crash happened.
After this I went to the autosport forum and read the thread about this race. With each minute passing, I hoped that someone would comfirm "He is ok!"...
This morning I re read the thread and it was heartbraking
Here if you want to re read it too: http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=155633
Robin
Premium
- 16,799
- United Kingdom
This was a tragic accident and to leave 2 young children behind is especially saddening. Although I didn't really see much of his career (don't have satellite TV) his achievements are impressive and its great to see someone from across the pond taking to a very different type of motorsport.
In light of the accident there of course have been calls to improve the safety in Indycar highlighting that the cars are pretty much the same model as the were years and years ago unlike F1 cars which change drastically every year. They were due to replace the chassis with an all new much safer design in 2012, unfortunately it comes one race to late for Dan.
I really thought the days of death in motorsport were over at the end of the 90's yet it keeps happening from time to time and I guess whatever they do there will always be the risk when you get in the cockpit. I think fighter jet style canopies should be something to seriously consider for open wheel racing.
R.I.P Dan Wheldon
Robin.
In light of the accident there of course have been calls to improve the safety in Indycar highlighting that the cars are pretty much the same model as the were years and years ago unlike F1 cars which change drastically every year. They were due to replace the chassis with an all new much safer design in 2012, unfortunately it comes one race to late for Dan.
I really thought the days of death in motorsport were over at the end of the 90's yet it keeps happening from time to time and I guess whatever they do there will always be the risk when you get in the cockpit. I think fighter jet style canopies should be something to seriously consider for open wheel racing.
R.I.P Dan Wheldon
Robin.
- 15,532
- Cairo, Egypt
- GTP_SEMS
Wow hearing what Happened its very very sad.
R.I.P Dan ,it was a terrible crash . :S
R.I.P Dan ,it was a terrible crash . :S
