Sad News!

Dan Wheldon, driving SSM’s No. 77 Bowers & Wilkins/William Rast Dallara/Honda/Firestone car, started 34th Today!

LAS VEGAS — IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon has died from injuries after his car went sailing through the air during a massive 15-car wreck early in Sunday's Las Vegas Indy 300.


Dan Wheldon, of England, is transported to a medical helicopter following a crash early in the IndyCar Series' Las Vegas Indy 300 auto race Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in Las Vegas.

Drivers climb from their cars following a crash early in the IndyCar Series' Las Vegas Indy 300 auto race Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in Las Vegas

IndyCar driver dies in wreck
Wheldon was 33. Drivers were told of Wheldon's death in a meeting about two hours after the fiery, smoky crash that many drivers said was the worst they had ever seen.

He won the Indianapolis 500 twice, including this year. Wheldon was injured when his car flew over another during the wreck on Lap 13.

Sad Day for the Weldon Family and SSMS! Sam just lost his Team Manager/ Best Friend unexpectedly a few weeks back, Now a friend/Driver! I met Dan a Few times at Indy I Don't think I have met a nicer guy of the Drivers!

May God Help Heal their pain from this Huge Loss!


Danny 24

I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences go out to Dan's family, friends and fans. RIP, Dan. You will never be forgotten.

Rip Dan

Sam Schmidt Statement Regarding Dan Wheldon


LAS VEGAS (Oct. 16, 2011) – A statement from Sam Schmidt, owner of the No. 77 IndyCar Series team, about driver Dan Wheldon, who suffered fatal injuries in a crash during the IndyCar Series season finale Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

“Dan Wheldon was a tremendous competitor, a great racer and an even better person. 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.”


-SSM-

He was SO excited to have won the 500 last May! He loved the Speedway as much as many of us do. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family & all involved with the race team. RIP Dan.