17 Oct 2011

IndyCar driver Wheldon dies in race crash

12:41 pm on 17 October 2011

British driver Dan Wheldon has died following a crash at the Las Vegas Indy 300.

Wheldon, 33, was taken to the nearby University Medical Centre following a multiple-car crash on lap 13, the BBC reports.

The crash involved 15 of the 34 cars in the race and sent Wheldon's car flying through the air in a fiery wreck.

Other drivers were injured in the crash, including the Australian Will Powers, who hoped to win the championship.

IndyCar officials confirmed Wheldon's death to fellow drivers two hours after the crash.

The race was abandoned and the remaining drivers drove a five-lap tribute to Wheldon.

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