[alexs2]

Originally Posted by moby125

Very sad news indeed. A freak accident just like Greg Moore. Condolences to his family. RIP.

A freak accident,but a tragic one,and already questions are being asked by those present about the driving standards of some of the competitors,and the safety of the event overall,with so many cars racing,plus the safety of the Indycar chassis.

From what I've read,the roll safety hoop on Wheldon's car was damaged.

The fires that broke out should also be a cause for serious concern.

[hdsport]

Originally Posted by alexs2

A freak accident,but a tragic one,and already questions are being asked by those present about the driving standards of some of the competitors,and the safety of the event overall,with so many cars racing,plus the safety of the Indycar chassis.

From what I've read,the roll safety hoop on Wheldon's car was damaged.

The fires that broke out should also be a cause for serious concern.

Yes there are some issues, think of Simona's accident last year when the marshalls took for ever to get her out of her burning car.

Simona De Silvestro wreck at the Firestone 550 (HD) - YouTube

However let's not get too knee jerk yes this race at Vegas was always a risky one and this wasn't people being wise after the event. The series is moving to more and more road courses, however racing at the right ovals can be 'relatively' safe and certainly should continue.

Remember next year will be the new car which will be better (rear fender etc) even if it's ugly as hell but that is a very low priority in this discussion.

Now whether you need more regs to help prevent cars flying (e.g. the shark fin in LMP racing) is certainly something that can be looked at but as people always say motorsport is dangerous and everyone knows that (it says so on the ticket).

[davepuma]

Tragic news. It looked like a horrific mess. I'm not a fan of oval racing for obvious reasons. I hope lessons are learned. RIP.

[Kinetic Frenzy]

Originally Posted by markmc2k9

Not sure what car Wheldon was in but my god how did other drivers survive this crash? Was Wheldon the one that catapulted last? Absolute tragedy but a miracle others survived.

Dan Wheldon was in the black car, the one with the B&W logo and the first car to go airborne. Moments later Will Power in the White/Silver car with red & black trim hits a different car in the rear and he too goes airborne.

A horrific accident, i've seen bad crashes in motorsport that have unfortunately claimed lives and this one is probably the worst.

I love motorsport and i admire the balls and skills all the drivers demonstrate week in week out. I was discussing the dangers of it with my wife last week when watching the Suzuka Grand Prix. I spoke of the admiration i have for them but said that now i'm a recent father i truly believe its a sport for young men with no family. I find it really very sad that Dan Wheldon has left behind a very young family.

RIP Dan Wheldon.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by hdsport

However let's not get too knee jerk yes this race at Vegas was always a risky one and this wasn't people being wise after the event. The series is moving to more and more road courses, however racing at the right ovals can be 'relatively' safe and certainly should continue.

It was actually comments from other drivers,and ex-drivers that prompted me to post that.

QUite a few have commented that this event,with the number of cars,and relatively inexperienced drivers in some cases,was an accident in the making.

[SparkShot]

Originally Posted by Kinetic Frenzy

I find it really very sad that Dan Wheldon has left behind a very young family.

I'm the opposite on this, my thinking is at least has kids to carry one the Wheldon name so to speak which is something at least.

[RedDevil85]

RIP Dan

Still can't believe what happened, happened.

[Kinetic Frenzy]

Originally Posted by SparkShot

I'm the opposite on this, my thinking is at least has kids to carry one the Wheldon name so to speak which is something at least.

Yes that is a valid point. My remark is purely my opinion, nothing more.

It's just something i've recently become convinced of. Sad to say but true, before i had any kids i probably wouldn't have given too much thought to his family and I would have focused more on the tragedy of the sport losing a great talent & the circumstances of his death.

Now, in my book, his greatest tragedy is leaving behind a family way too early. Very poignant that he tweeted his feelings about the race - that $5 million dollars was all that was on the line.