Dan Wheldon ~ 1978 - 2011

http://www.danspitstopracing.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Campion_Dan_Wheldon_Iowa062208_DSCF0376.17874937_s td.jpg

IN MEMORIAM

~ Dan Wheldon ~
1978 - 2011

By Mike Lawrence (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=60524) - AutomotiveForums.com (http://www.automotiveforums.com)

Today is a very sad day in motorsports. I don't quite know how to put it into words, since I am still in disbelief myself, but we all know how hard it is to lose somebody in our life. Unfortunately today, we lost a racing great at the IRL Las Vegas 300, Englishman, Dan Wheldon. We all know what we're getting ourselves into when we tighten our harness, especially people like Igor and myself, but we never really imagine that it could happen to us. I am sure Dan was thinking just like us, that today was going to be another exciting raceday without any idea of the tragedy to come.

While I do not know Dan personally, he was a huge inspiration to many. Not only was he an open-wheel racing great, but a very down to earth person. Dan had a huge love for not only his fellow competitors, but the fans that cheered him on to two Indy 500 victories. He put faith in many to achieve their dreams with his upbeat attitude and selflessness.

As I have said, I am really having a hard time finding the words to express my feeling right now, but Dan died doing what he loved. I don't believe this tribute does Dan Wheldon any justice for the man he was, and the legend he has left behind entirely too soon, but I would like us all to just have a moment of silence thinking about those near-and-far who inspire us to achieve our dreams. May he not be remembered for the horrific incident we witnessed today, but rather the life he lived as an inspirational racing driver to many.

Thanks.

Rest In Peace: Dan Wheldon June 22, 1978 - October 16, 2011

I wanted to come up with a image that would stick as a great tribute to Dan Wheldon. Hope this pays some tribute to such a great inspirational racer. Feel free to use.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6252268058_00a5ff4088_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aperturev/6252268058/in/photostream

A very sad day for motorsport, it's a reminder of how dangerous it is. :(

Thanks for the lovely words to Mike, I think it expresses everyone's feelings very well.


Be careful guys, especially those of you who race.

I don't watch Indy, and I especially didn't know who Dan was. But its always sad to loose a fellow racer. Stay safe people.