Dan Wheldon Tributes pour in from fellow racing stars

A host of names from the world of motor racing have paid tribute to Dan Wheldon, who died yesterday aged 33 in a major accident during the last Indy race of the season in Las Vegas.

Chip Ganassi, a former team colleague said,“What can you say? We’re going to miss him. Everybody in IndyCar died a little today.”

Fellow driver James Courtney who was scheduled to drive with Wheldon later this month paid tribute, “I first met Dan when I moved to Europe in karting in the mid-90s, we knew each other a long time and considered ourselves friends. Today is difficult for those of us who have lost a mate.

“But most of all, as a father of a young family, I am struggling with knowing Dan’s wife Susie is now without her partner, and their children, Sebastian and Oliver, will grow up without their father. It’s Dan’s family, all of his family, who I truly feel sorry for.”

Penske driver Ryan Briscoe said, “I don’t have words for the tragic loss of Dan today. He was a good man and will be missed by all of us.”

Teammate Dario Franchitti added, “He was 6 years old when I first met him, he was this little kid and the next thing you know he was my team mate.”

“Right now I’m numb and speechless. One minute you’re joking around in driver intros and the next he’s gone.”

Motor racing legend Emmerson Fittipald commented, “I have seen many fine men-racers leave us prematurely over my lifetime… …It is an unfortunate part of our sport. Godspeed Dan Wheldon.”

IndyCar rival Graham Rahal said later “My heart goes out to the Wheldon family. Dan was an incredible champion, great friend, great guy and someone to look up to … Today we lost one of the greatest members of our family.”

Alex Lloyd who was also taking part in the race yesterday said, “This is one of the saddest days of my life. Can’t believe we have lost him. He was a true champion and a great friend.”

Andretti Autosport who Dan raced for in 2005 released a statement: “Dan brought such enthusiasm and passion to the sport not often seen in motorsports. We will remember Dan’s tremendous racing accomplishments with our team as well his infectious personality.

“We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Dan’s family, racing team and friends today. Dan is one of IndyCar’s greatest champions.”

In broadcasting forums, posters have been highly critical of the treatment and sensitivity of host broadcasters ABC/ESPN. After the announcement of Wheldon’s death they continued to show many different angles of the accident.  Sky Sports did cut away from showing them, and didn’t show the 5 lap tribute due to timing issues and the clear emotional state of presenter Keith Huewen and guests in the studio. Sky Sports News did show parts of the tribute however.

Dan’s last tweet on his official Twitter account was simply the word “green” in reference to the lights of the track changing to start a race.