Indy Car driver killed in crash

Dan Wheldon, the 2005 and ‘11 Indy 500 champion, died Sunday in a horrific 15-car accident on lap 11 at the Las Vegas Speedway in the IZOD IndyCar series finale.

Click Here for Photo Gallery

Though the crash did not occur in the hallowed gates of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the passing of Wheldon was felt throughout central Indiana.

”We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon,” Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said in a statement. “He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and all of motorsports ... Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team, and fans.”

Belskus said Wheldon will most likely be most remembered off the track.

”Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father, and man -- a good friend to so many in this sport,” he said. “His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track.”

Wheldon leaves behind his wife, Susie, and sons Sebastian and Oliver. He was 33.

Wheldon won the 2011 Indy 500 in May after J.R. Hildebrand hit the wall coming into the final turn. Sunday’s race was Wheldon’s third race of the season. Had he won, he would have received a $5 million bonus, as part of a league promotion.

”No words can describe my feelings as I reflect on my memories of Dan,” Randy Bernard, CEO of Indy Car, said in a statement. “His infectious smile, bubbly personality, and big heart made Dan one of the most caring people I had ever met. You could never ask for a bigger ambassador to the sport. Dan represented IndyCar with the utmost respect and integrity. Dan will not only be immortalized as being a great racer, but also a wonderful person.”

Sam Schmidt, owner of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, echoes that sentiment.

”Dan Wheldon was a tremendous competitor, a great racer, and an even better person,” Schmidt said in a statement. “It was an honor to have him be a part of our team. All of us at Sam Schmidt Motorsports are deeply saddened by his passing. On behalf of everyone at Sam Schmidt Motorsports, our prayers go out to all of his family, especially his wife, Susie, and their two children.”

Information about a public memorial for Wheldon will be released at a later date.

ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com