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.