Wheldon dies in IndyCar accident

Wheldon won the IndyCar series in 2005

British driver Dan Wheldon has died following an accident at the Las Vegas Indy 300.

Buckinghamshire-born Wheldon, 33, was one of 15 cars involved in a crash at the second corner on lap 13 of the series’ season-ending race.

Wheldon, who began IndyCar racing in 2002, was the series champion in 2005 and won the Indy 500 in 2005 and 2011.

IndyCar chief executive Randy Bernard said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Wheldon was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center where he was joined by his family – including his wife and two children – but his death was announced to his fellow drivers in a meeting at the track.

Bernard added: “The Indycar drivers and owners have decided to end the race in honour of Dan Wheldon and the drivers will take part in a five-lap salute.”

Wheldon was replaced by JR Hildebrand at Panther Racing at the start of this season and failed to land another ride.

Despite that, the Briton put together a deal for the Indianapolis 500 with Bryan Herta Autosport, a race he won after Hildebrand crashed going into the final turn.

He took up IndyCar chief Bernard’s offer to pay $5m (£3.1m) if any non-regular series driver entered and won the season finale at Las Vegas.