MIS President Curtis calls Wheldon 'one of the friendliest drivers' he ever met
The 15-car crash claimed the life of two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon.
/ Associated Press
LAS VEGAS, NV -- Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after his car became ensnarled in a fiery 15-car pileup on Lap 13, flew over another vehicle and landed in a catch fence just outside turn 2.
The 33-year-old British racer was a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, including this year's race.
Three other drivers, including championship contender Will Power, were hurt in the pileup.
“I am saddened for the entire racing community and all race fans. Dan Wheldon was one of the most personable and friendliest drivers I have ever met in this sport. And he was a passionate, talented and exciting driver whose love of racing really showed. But more than that, he loved his family and our thoughts are with them during this very sad time,” said Curtis.
Weldon was airlifted from the track to University Medical Center; about two hours later, his colleagues were told of his death.
In his honor, drivers took part in a five-lap salute around the oval.
IndyCar has not had a fatality since Paul Dana was killed at Homestead in 2006. He died after a crash in a morning warmup.
Sunday's wreck left Townsend Bell upside down while smoldering cars and debris littered the track nearly halfway up the straightaway of the 1.5-mile oval.
The track was red-flagged following the accidents while crews worked on fences and removed smashed cars.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
