The 2011 Indy Car finale was red flagged and finally cancelled after a horrendous multi-car pile up on Lap 11 resulted in the tragic death of 2005 champion and father of two, Dan Wheldon.
The incident was triggered at Turn 2 when light contact between James Hinchcliffe and Wade Cunningham sent the latter spinning across the track, causing a chain reaction. Several cars were launched into the air as they t-boned stricken rivals. With full fuel tanks, some cars erupted in flames, including Wheldon’s. KV Racing Technology-Lotus drivers EJ Viso and James Jakes’ cars were just two of the 15 cars involved in the accident.
Tony Kanaan had been on pole position that afternoon – KVRT-Lotus’ third of the year – and held that position up until the moment the race was red flagged. He therefore led a tribute procession later in the day, once Wheldon’s passing had been communicated. All the remaining cars drove five slow laps of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in front of a silent standing ovation as a bagpiper played ‘Danny Boy’.
Kanaan later wrote on Twitter: "No words to describe the pain. See you on the other side my dear friend. You will be missed."
"The entire KV Racing Technology - Lotus organization extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wheldon family on this very sad occasion,” stated the team. “Dan was a great champion and friend, a loving husband and father. He will be deeply missed."
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.