1 Comment
Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 | 5:39 p.m.
Even before Dan Wheldon’s tragic death was confirmed today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, drivers being interview by ESPN were voicing their opinions about the type of racing we witnessed prior to the accident.
The number of cars in the race, the speed at which the cars were running, the number of inexperienced drivers in the field, and the close racing that left no room for error were all topics of concern for the drivers. And it will be interesting to see how the discussion unfolds about these concerns in the reporting and commentary that are due to come. But one thing is certain: Officials made the right call in deciding to end the race.
Regardless of these conditions, racing is dangerous and always will be. I know that’s cliché, but its true. Even one car going around the track at 212 miles per hour is a risky enterprise.
Let’s hope that the tragic death of Wheldon won’t lead to finger pointing and accusations. Hopefully, it will lead to a serious discussion about safety in the sport.
Below are a few photos of the tribute laps to Wheldon.
Race teams line pit road for the tribute to Dan Wheldon.
Five lap tribute to Dan Wheldon
This was a sad day for all of auto racing.
Dan Wheldon was an amazing driver and worked very hard to make the new cars coming next year as safe as possible.
The track to me was not the problem. It was all the extra cars and inexperienced drivers that where on the track and were soo exicted to be on the track and racing and that they wanted to be up front soo bad that they lost their judgement and became inpatient which caused the wheels to touch and the cars to lose control.
With the speeds and all tires being open unlike the car for next year caused the cars to go flying.
I think Jimmie Johnson said it best in his interview that the Indy cars should stay on the road and street courses. Also, I think that Indy as always be apart of the series. These ovals at those speeds would be dangerous with the 26 usual drivers but it is that risk that drivers take when they strap in.
They said this on Sunday that auto racing is a sport and all the others are just games because death is always looming over the drivers heads.
R.I.P. Dan Wheldon, you will be greatly missed by the drivers and all the fans.