It is hard to find anyone that has never driven a race car, worked on a race car, had a family member race, or witnessed an event of competing racecars that understands WHY we do it. Why would we put ourselves in harms way; why we would sacrifice like we sacrifice to try and go just a little faster than the other person to cross the finish line before someone else. A line that means nothing until after you’ve crossed it for the 25th, 30th, 50th or even 200th time.

For those of that have, do, will or witnessed a racing event; we understand. We know and completely understand the sacrifice, expense and more importantly the risk involved of being that first driver or team to cross that line first. It is an experience only those that know it well will ever understand and for those doubters that continuously question it; we understand.

There are questions in today’s world as to whether someone was born a certain way or was made into something or has made a choice to become something. Of all lifestyles, careers or directions we take, it seems as though a racer is one of those that is born. Somehow, someway they find their way into the seat of a racecar. Regardless of what age, sex, size, economic background, race, or religion; at some point a person that finds the need to go faster than someone else finds their way to a local track. For those that have the desire to witness such events or participate to help their family or friend go faster, they too become a part of this very exclusive fraternity.

This exclusive fraternity becomes a way of life. You meet people that become friends or foes of for life. However the one thing that remains constant is the very fraternity that draws us together each and every weekend somewhere in this world. As so many of us know; even if we compete against another driver or team each week, there is a mutual respect that goes along with each race since that other driver or team is a member of their own racing family. Like any family, we can challenge each other frequently but let someone else challenge or harm a member of our family and you get us all.

I could literally feel the emotion of every person I ever met in racing today while we all awaited word on the condition of Dan Weldon. I could feel the concern of those at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, just like everyone else. I could feel the emotion as if a member of my family was in danger and needed my help. For the first time in months we were blessed to have our entire family together. Jill, Grant, Coleman and I were glued to the tv in hopes of good news to be shared that a member of the Racing Family was going to be ok. A year ago we felt the same way when we were waiting to hear about Shane’s condition. Time dragged on, minutes like hours. Today’s news took us to an emotional level just like when we heard about Jesse; the realization we had lost a family member.

I don’t care who you are, what level you race, who you root for or who you are related to in racing; when a tragedy like this occurs, we all feel it and we all feel the loss for those involved. Our sport can take you to the highest of highs with emotional highs that can get you through just about anything. But today we also realize that the sport we love can bring us to the lowest of lows. The Racing Fraternity has lost a member of our family today and we know that we are not alone in feeling the emotion that goes along with it. Our deepest condolences extend to the Weldon Family, his wife and two small children. Our prayers are that they can find solace in knowing that Dan Weldon was a member of this very exclusive group and that his superior talents set the bar very high for his competitors and created a legacy of greatness that will last for generations to come.

Why do we do it? Because that’s what we do. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Weldon Family.

The Gulick’s.

Very nice!
Thank you.
With all of the Great Racers we have lost, there must be one hell of a race going on in Heaven!

My wife's favorite driver. She picked him to win Indy this year, as he did.
RIP DAN WELDON.

Well said. Thanks for putting into words, the thoughts and emotions of the racing fraternity on this sadest of days. Godspeed to Dan, and continued prayers for his family. Had the oppertunity to talk with him as we walked down pitroad a PIR several years ago. He seemd to be a very genuine guy. I know that he will be missed.

it was stated that they were concerned with some of the speeds reaching above 225 mph this is a good reason to never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly. sometimes we have to know our limits. but we as racers are driven by the speed. and actually feel like the car is an extension of our body. rip dan and not to sound cold hearted but if you as a raceer had a choice how would you go? when it is your time it is your time. whereand how doesn't matter

Very very well said Pete!

I've been looking for an appropriate thread to express my opinion on this, and this seems like the one.

They should have finished the race. I know it might have been hard for some, but the drivers should have decided to finish the race. All of the old timers I know, agree with this sentiment. They were loosing a brother a week. You can't let a tragedy like that win. As a driver, you need to show death who's boss. Get in that car and race! Once you become afraid, its there forever.

I didn't get to watch the race today and I guess im glad I didn't. I am shocked by the news! My heart sunk as I read the post. This is a sad day for racing as a whole and the IRL. Dan was a racer because he stood on the gas,but understood set-up and how changes to the car would work for him. I really got to see his knowledge when I was watching and listening to the Texas race earlier this season.

I had alot of admiration for Dan and I will miss him for sure!
GOD SPEED DAN!
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Heartfelt, well-thought post - thank you so much. Hard to believe two weeks ago tonight we were riding one of the highs with Ed's win at Kentucky and tonight...well, it's just unbelieveable. Thoughts and prayers to Dan's family, friends, and really to all of us - we've all sustained such a loss today.

I agree, they should have finished the race.