The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Dan Wheldon, R.I.P.

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Dan Wheldon, R.I.P.

By Aaron Goldstein on 10.17.11 @ 8:51AM

I just watched the crash at the Las Vegas Speedway which claimed the life of Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldon yesterday.

Frankly, I am amazed that there weren't more fatalities in this incident. I am also amazed there aren't more fatalities in auto racing in general. However, I wouldn't be surprised if changes are made with regard to limiting the number of cars permitted to race. The ESPN announcers noted that there were concerns about the number of drivers being allowed to compete on a relatively small racing track. However, no matter what changes are made there will always be an element of risk in auto racing. Wheldon is not the first driver to lose his life on the track nor will he be the last.

Nevertheless, the Indy circuit has lost one of its brightest stars. The British born Wheldon was the defending Indianapolis 500 champion and had won the prestigious race previously in 2005. He died at the age of 33 leaving behind a wife and two young sons.

View all comments (7) | Leave a comment

Con Chef (NB)| 10.17.11 @ 9:04AM

RIP, Dan Wheldon, from this NASCAR fan. The racing world lost a true talent.

Bob Grant| 10.17.11 @ 11:12AM

RIP to Dan and prayers to his wife, family, and friends but we have a country to save.

Air show, bungee jumping, cliff diving, parachuting, and auto racing "tragedies" should be put in their proper perspective. Such self-indulgent endeavors deserve minimal attention at best.

We should focus on the much more inportant crash that is right around the next turn.

RustyG| 10.17.11 @ 12:34PM

Dang Bob.... I'm down for the cause same as you, but am I not afforded any down time to flip a channel and watch a few laps? Goldstein was only commenting on a tragedy at a major U.S. sporting event. It's not like he was giving us daily reports on some lame tennis tournament. ;)

Bob Grant| 10.17.11 @ 1:27PM

A few laps would be considered minimal attention so you're good to go.

Now as far as tennis, I'm in full agreement that reporting on some doubles match on a remote court during day 6 at the French Open demonstrates a dearth of things to write about; As Mr. Goldstein is want to do.

What with the beginning of Fall with college and pro football going full tilt, and oh, that little event called the World Series about to begin, he's have plenty-O-things to write about.

Just a pet peeve of mine.

Bob Grant| 10.17.11 @ 1:32PM

But hey, who'd knock a free trip to Paris in the Springtime, compliments of AmSpec?

Clint| 10.17.11 @ 12:24PM

Risk Is Part Of Racing.

Dan Wheldon Died With His Racing Shoes On.

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