British IndyCar driver Wheldon dies after crash

Las Vegas (Reuters) – British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon died  from injuries sustained in an horrific crash at the Las Vegas  Motor Speedway today, race organisers said.
The 33-year-old Englishman, who lived in St. Petersburg  Florida, was involved in a multi-car accident 13 laps into the  Las Vegas Indy 300 which sent his vehicle flying.
Wheldon was flown by helicopter to University Medical  Center in Las Vegas for treatment before his death was  announced two hours later.
“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has  passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” IndyCar Series CEO  Randy Bernard said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.  IndyCar, its drivers and owners have decided to end the race.  In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a  five-lap salute,” Bernard added.
Wheldon was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series  champion and he won the Indy500 race that year and also in  2011.
The drivers returned to the track on Sunday for an  emotional five-lap tribute with Wheldon’s fellow British  driver, Scotsman Dario Franchitti, sobbing uncontrollably as he  was strapped back into his car.
SILENT FANS
Crews lined up along the pit lane and fans in the stands  stood silently as the drivers paid tribute to the popular  Wheldon.
The cancelling of the race meant that Franchitti won his  third straight series title.
After winning eight British national titles in karting and  then finishing third in the 1998 Formula Ford championship in  Britain, Wheldon moved to the U.S. in pursuit of better  opportunities.
He clinched the F2000 Championship Series in 1999 with six  victories and then moved into IndyCar where he won rookie of  the year honours in 2003.
Wheldon claimed the 2005 series thanks to six wins for  Andretti Green Racing.
The Englishman later raced for Panther Racing and his final  team Bryan Herta Autosport.
Wheldon leaves his wife Susie and their two young sons.