Dan Wheldon – 1978-2011

Dan Wheldon. RIP

Racing is a dangerous business.  No one knew that better than Dan Wheldon.  A two-time Indy 500 winner, Wheldon died as a result of injuries sustained at an IndyCar race Sunday in Las Vegas.  Dan entered the season-ending race as part of a promotion that would have seen $5 million go to any non-IndyCar Series regular who won the race.  As an intermittent contestant this year, Wheldon was eligible for the payday.

It seems wasteful, if you view the race as “only for the money”. It wasn’t.  Wheldon was a hardcore racer who desperately wanted a regular drive.  He had just come off a test of the 2012 IndyCar chassis, and he was close to finalizing a new contract to drive for Andretti Autosport in 2012.  Things were looking good, until a scary multi-car wreck happened in front of Wheldon, and injuries took his life at 33.  This, without question, is the shittiest part of racing.

Years ago, we stood at a press conference and watched Magic Johnson declare his HIV+ status.  After the conference ended, Lakers owner Jerry Buss broke down and cried steps in front of where we stood.  It was an unforgettable moment, watching a titan of sports bawl like a child.   Those emotions came flooding back as we watched Dario Franchitti shed tears of grief before suiting up for a five-lap tribute to his fallen colleague.  There are no words, really.  Racing is a life and death sport, and Dan Wheldon knew of the risks.  He had tasted victory on the last lap of this year’s Indy 500, moments after passing rookie J.R. Hildebrand, who crashed into the wall while leading.  Danger is part of the equation (Franchitti told ABC that the Vegas track is “not suitable” for IndyCar speeds).  That doesn’t make his death any easier.

Rest in peace, Dan Wheldon. You were a pure racer, decent and fun.  You were also father and a husband.  You will be missed by many people.

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