Dan Wheldon - 2x Indy 500 Winner
Following the tragic loss of British IndyCar star Dan Wheldon from injuries sustained in a huge accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway yesterday, tributes have been pouring in from fellow racers and fans alike.
Dario Franchitti, who was confirmed as the 2011 IndyCar series champion after the race was called off, said this: "I love hard racing but that to me is not really what it's about. One small mistake from somebody..."
"Right now I'm numb and speechless. One minute you're joking around in driver intros and the next he's gone. He was six years old when I first met him. He was this little kid and the next thing you know he was my team-mate. We put so much pressure on ourselves to win races and championships and today it doesn't matter."
Jenson Button, who knew Dan from his karting days wrote this: "Just woken up to the most horrific news. Dan Wheldon RIP... I have so many good memories of racing with Dan in the early '90s, a true fighter. We've lost a legend in our sport but also a great guy... I can't begin to imagine what his family are going through and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."
Other messages of loss and condolence have been pouring in from all sides of the motorsport community and beyond. Thoughts from the PH community start here.