RIP Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

The world of motor racing is in shock following the death of British Indycar racer, Dan Wheldon today.

The popular former Indycar champion and winner of this year's Indy 500 died of serious injuries sustained in a multi-car pileup in this morning's Indycar meet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

It's the first fatality in Indycar racing since Paul Dana died in free practice for the first race of the Indycar series in 2006 in Miami and the first fatality in the race proper since Greg Moore died at Fontana Speedway in 1999.

After the announcement of Wheldon's death by IZOD officials, the race was abandoned. The drivers drove 5 laps around the track in a final mark of respect to their dead colleague. As it was the last race of the season, Dario Franchitti was crowned Indycar champion as nearest rival, Will Power was also involved in the multi-car pileup. However, the Scot will take little joy from winning his fourth title following the shock death of his fellow colleague. 

A bit of a dampener after the joyous results of the weekend. Thoughts are with the friends and family of Dan Wheldon at this time.

RIP Dan Wheldon