On October 16th 2011 the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon died. He died because of “unservivable injuries” caused during a multi car crash at the Las Vegas Indy 300. There were 32 cars traveling 220 miles per hour when Dan Wheldon number 77 was caught in a fiery 15-car pileup. A large British flag was hung on the gate to show honor to Dan Wheldon. Dan Wheldon died at age 33. As the drivers slowly wound their way around the track the song Amazing Grace played. It is said that Dan was in line to win $5 million but only if he captured the checkered flag at Sundays race. The Indianapolis motor Speedway Corporation President and CEO Jeff Belskus called Wheldon a “ great champion” and “ wonderful ambassador.” After Dan’s Second Indy 500 victory in May, Wheldon talked to CNN’s American Morning about the intensity of the racetrack. Weldon’s first win was in 2005. Dan said, “We’re doing speed in excess of 225 miles per hour. With this race, you never know what can happen. It’s about staying focused and you really don’t ever let off the power unless toy have to.” Wheldon was born in Emberton, England, lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. His father was a go-Kart racer and his mother was the timer at a local track. His wife and two young children survive Wheldon.
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