Indy Motor Speedway Statement On Passing of Dan Wheldon

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered in the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented By Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

“We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon. He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all of motorsports. Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father and man – a good friend to so many in this sport. His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans.”

Wheldon, 33, won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2005 and 2011.

IMS PR

Statement from Roger Curtis of MIS


“I am saddened for the entire racing community and all race fans. Dan Wheldon was one of the most personable and friendliest drivers I have ever met in this sport. And he was a passionate, talented and exciting driver whose love of racing really showed. But more than that, he loved his family and our thoughts are with them during this very sad time.”

MIS PR

Statement from Patrick Warren President Kansas Speedway

“We were saddened to learn of the passing of two-time Kansas Speedway winner Dan Wheldon. Dan exemplified the definition of a champion, both on and off the track. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family, friends and the entire IndyCar Series.”

Kansas Speedway PR

Statement from NASCAR CEO Brian France

“NASCAR offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Dan Wheldon, his teammates, and the entire IndyCar Series community for their tragic loss today. They will be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.” – NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France

Infineon Raceway Statement on the Passing of Dan Wheldon

“This is a truly heartbreaking loss.  Dan Wheldon was a terrific driver and a great champion, but overall he was one of the most engaging, intelligent and colorful individuals in our sport.  We were fortunate to work with Dan as a regular promotional partner over the years.  We will miss his competitive drive on the track and his energy and sense of humor in the paddock.”

Dan Wheldon stats at Infineon Raceway: Wheldon had six INDYCAR starts at Infineon Raceway from 2005-2010 with a career-best finish of fourth in 2008. Overall, he had three top-10 efforts in the six starts in Sonoma (sixth in 2006 and seventh in 2007). His last race in Sonoma took place on Aug. 22, 2010 at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, where he placed 25th.

Statement from Las Vegas Motor Speedway President Chris Powell

All of us here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway  are deeply saddened by the death of Dan Wheldon. He was a tremendous race car driver and a great representative for IndyCar racing. Our prayers are with Dan’s family as well as the officials and sponsors of IndyCar.

Statement from Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer

Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer issued the following statement Sunday evening regarding the passing of IndyCar Series driver Dan Wheldon:

Along with everyone at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the entire racing community, I am saddened by this news. I offer my condolences to the Wheldon family, especially wife Susie and her two young sons.  I had the opportunity to spend time with Dan at promotional events and always came away impressed by his warmth and sincerity.

Statement from Texas Motor Speedway

“On behalf of the entire staff at Texas Motor Speedway, our sincere condolences go out to Dan’s wife Susie and their two young boys, Oliver and Sebastian. Dan was a tremendous race-car driver and even more tremendous as a person. I was fortunate to get to know Dan over the years with the series annually visiting Texas Motor Speedway and he always arrived with that infectious personality and charming wit. His outstanding skill in the cockpit and his personality and good nature out of it will be greatly missed by the entire IndyCar community.”

Statement From Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Dan Wheldon

JR Motorsports owner and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. issued the following statement Sunday evening after the passing of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon:

“I had the pleasure of meeting Dan Wheldon at the National Guard Youth Challenge dinner about five years ago, and we crossed paths several times since then, mostly through our mutual partnership with the National Guard.  His success as a racer speaks for itself, but I will remember him as a true professional who was friendly, respectful, and genuine.  On behalf of everyone at JR Motorsports, I send condolences to Dan’s family, team, and friends in the racing community.”

Statement From Richard Childress

“All of us at Richard Childress Racing are saddened by the loss of Dan Wheldon.  Dan was a fierce competitor and a great champion. I had the pleasure of meeting him over the past couple of years and quickly realized what a great ambassador he was for our entire sport. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.”

Statement From Sam Schmidt Team Owner

“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.”