Wheldon family pay tribute
Dan Wheldon's father says his son died "doing what he loved" after the British driver was killed at the Las Vegas Indy 300.
Last Updated: 18/10/11 11:28am
Dan Wheldon's father has stated that his son died "doing what he loved" after the British driver was killed at the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday.
Clive Wheldon, who was himself involved in kart racing before his son took up motorsport, also described Dan as "a gentleman on and off the track".
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner suffered fatal head injuries in a multi-car pile-up on lap 11 of the race, with his vehicle flipping into the catch-fencing at the 1.5-mile oval.
Tributes have poured in from the racing community and, speaking outside the family home in Emberton, Buckinghamshire, Clive Wheldon gave thanks for the condolences.
"The family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming outpouring of sympathy," he said.
"Daniel was born to be a racer and left us doing what he loved to do. He was a true champion and a gentleman on and off the track."
Meanwhile, former Formula One driver Sir Jackie Stewart has urged IndyCar to improve their safety provisions following the accident.
Speeds
A total of 34 cars were entered into the field at the season finale, with the high-speed nature of the track and short lap distance meaning they had to race in very close proximity.
"The accident we saw was something different," Stewart told Sky Sports News.
"It was such high speed on such a small track with too many cars together and not that many top racing drivers in there. Take 15 cars out of a field of 34. It's probably too much for a one-and-a-half-mile circuit."
Stewart was an outspoken safety advocate during his career and insisted that the risks of the sport should never be overlooked.
He added: "Problems really are made to be overcome. We can find better ways of doing things.
"It may be that we have to have smaller engines with smaller horsepower and slower speeds in IndyCar racing. You've got to contain the action within the race.
"I don't think you can stand still for safety. There's always an improvement to be made."
