Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now




Indy Champion Dan Wheldon Killed in Tragic Accident at Las Vegas 300

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Dean Hybl

Dan Wheldon will best be remembered for twice winning the Indianapolis 500, including the 2011 title.

The headline for the 2011 IndyCar season finale was supposed to be the farewell of Danica Patrick as she is leaving the series to move full-time to NASCAR in 2012. However, just 11 laps into the race the story turned tragic as an accident that consumed more than a quarter of the field took the life of 2011 Indianapolis 500 Champion Dan Wheldon.

The two-time Indy 500 champion is now the latest in an incredibly long list of race car drivers who have lost their life on the track. Since the start of auto racing in the early 1900s, 308 drivers have lost their life across all forms of racing either in a race, practice or testing.

Even though safety has been increased in recent years, Wheldon is the 29th race car driver to die on the track since 2000.

The tragic ending for Wheldon is perhaps especially shocking because his career seemed to have been reborn in 2011.

The 2005 IndyCar Series champion, Wheldon had struggled in recent years to find a consistent ride. Despite competing in just three races in 2011, Wheldon won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 when rookie J.R. Hildebrand crashed on the final lap of the race allowing Wheldon to cross the finish line first.

He was in line to win a $5 million bonus as part of a special promotion if he was able to win the Las Vegas race.

It was expected that with Patrick’s move to NASCAR in 2012 that Wheldon would become the full-time driver for the Go-Daddy-sponsored team for next season.

The Las Vegas race was stopped after the accident and drivers returned to the track for a somber five-lap tribute for Wheldon.

His death is a reminder for all racing fans that the men and women who entertain us each week on tracks across the world are not just skilled professionals, but are indeed putting their lives on the line.

Tragic accidents like the one that claimed the life of Wheldon are indeed sad, but will always be a part of this dangerous sport. Let’s just hope they continue to happen on a very infrequent basis.

0 to “Indy Champion Dan Wheldon Killed in Tragic Accident at Las Vegas 300”

  1. Heard about the new European Hypnosis trend called Trance Induced Programming, or TIP’ing? Mind blowing!!! More about TIP’ing in my most complete Hypnosis ebook titled “HYPNOTICAL” which of course you can get Free on my site. Is Hypnosis for real? Find out How to Make People Quack like a Duck in SECONDS! It’s Free and Almost Shocking…

  2. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a awesome job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!

  3. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, would test this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a large component to folks will leave out your excellent writing due to this problem.

  4. Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

  5. I delight in, cause I discovered just what I was having a look for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  6. I couldn’t have explained the topic better myself.

  7. community says:

    Awesome blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get advice from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!

  8. I surely did not understand that. Learnt a thing new nowadays! Thanks for that.

  9. This really is a appropriate weblog for everyone who is wishes to locate out about this subject. You comprehend a fantastic deal its practically challenging to argue with you (not that I just would want…HaHa). You surely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been discussed for years. Great stuff, just amazing!

  10. As I internet site owner I believe the content material material here is extremely superb, thanks for your efforts.

  11. Golden Fogg says:

    Howdy I am so thrilled I discovered your web site, I genuinely discovered you by error, even though I was searching on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling weblog (I also adore the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I’ve bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will likely be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

  12. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

  13. I was suggested this web site via my cousin. I am not sure whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else recognize such particular approximately my trouble. You’re amazing! Thank you!

  14. travel says:

    Thank you for some other informative site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect approach? I have a venture that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the glance out for such information.

  15. Just desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness for your post is just nice and that i can suppose you’re an expert on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to stay updated with imminent post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the enjoyable work.

  16. Hello there, just became alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it’s really informative. I?m going to watch out for brussels. I?ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many other folks shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  17. Hello there, are you the admin of this website? I have some urgent news. Please don’t get tricked by scammers trying to buy your blog for only a few quick bucks…you’re sitting on a huge GOLDMINE. You see, I administrate a couple blogs myself, and ever since I inserted a few small lines of code in them (found here —> http://bit.ly/vPwYwQ <—-), they have been raking in for me a steady $300-$700 a day. Every day, whether or not I feel like working and I can prove it. CNN and BBC have dubbed it the most revolutionary cash machine in 2011, I strongly recommend you listed to the guy's story all the way to the end. It won't cost you anything to see how he transformed himself by using this powerful tool: http://bit.ly/vPwYwQ

  18. Whoa, I appreciate this data. Excellent to grasp that searchers have been helpful and also referring to throughout that way. I want to find a much more similar to this soon.

  19. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However just imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this site could certainly be one of the greatest in its niche. Excellent blog!

  20. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am happy to convey that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I so much undoubtedly will make sure to do not put out of your mind this website and give it a glance on a continuing basis.

  21. I needed to put you a very little word just to give thanks once again with the

  22. Superb blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any tips? Bless you!

  23. golf says:

    Wonderful work! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared across the internet. Shame on Google for now not positioning this post upper! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thank you =)

  24. You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

  25. A person necessarily lend a hand to make seriously posts I’d state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual publish extraordinary. Excellent job!

  26. toyota camry says:

    I do like the way you have presented this concern plus it does give me a lot of fodder for consideration. Nevertheless, from everything that I have witnessed, I simply just trust as the actual remarks pile on that people today continue to be on point and not get started on a tirade regarding some other news of the day. All the same, thank you for this excellent point and even though I do not necessarily go along with it in totality, I value your point of view.

  27. Author has many insightful facts, I’ve learned a great deal. I’m confused as to why I didn’t add it as a bookmark before because it’s surely a blog I want in my daily visit list. Thanks again, keep up the good work

  28. Shanna says:

    I’m not quite sure how to say this; you made it exrtmeely easy for me!

  29. magnificent issues altogether, you just gained a new reader. What might you recommend about your post that you just made some days in the past? Any positive?

  30. It’s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  31. top facts says:

    Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst folks think about worries that they just do not recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  32. What?s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its helped me. Great job.

  33. dog car seat says:

    I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Fantastic work!

  34. advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

  35. of course like your web site but you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to inform the truth nevertheless I?ll definitely come back again.

  36. I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to blogroll.

  37. confirm says:

    It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  38. Usually I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice post.

  39. opportunity says:

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly. I am reasonably certain I’ll be told plenty of new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the next!

  40. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really one thing that I believe I might never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am taking a look forward on your next submit, I will attempt to get the hold of it!

  41. Angry Birds says:

    Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Superb choice of colors!

  42. Arden Place says:

    Thanks for the info, I hope you don’t mind if I use it in my next post

  43. plakat says:

    Thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back sometime soon. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!

  44. Excellent blog right here! Additionally your website a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link for your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  45. You know thus significantly relating to this matter, made me individually imagine it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women are not interested except it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always take care of it up!

  46. Hi, i believe that i noticed you visited my weblog thus i got here to go back the want?.I’m trying to in finding issues to improve my website!I guess its ok to make use of a few of your concepts!!

  47. Wow this is a must read, bookmarking your blog now. Please continue to write, your style is very outside the box.

  48. Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I get in fact loved account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment or even I achievement you access persistently rapidly.




  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Harold Jackson: Unsung Star WR
      December 12, 2024 | 4:24 pm

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is one of the most underappreciated wide receivers in NFL history, despite boasting a career that spanned 16 seasons and saw him excel as one of the league’s premier deep threats. Known for his speed, route-running, and ability to make plays downfield, Harold Jackson left an indelible mark on the game during an era that was not yet pass-heavy. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 175 pounds, he defied expectations of size to become a dominant force on the field. Over the course of his illustrious career (1968–1983), Jackson totaled 10,372 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns, placing him among the top receivers of his time.

      Read more »

    • RSSArchive for Vintage Athlete of the Month »
  • Follow Us Online

  • Post Categories



↑ Top