Fans of the race world were devastated to hear about the passing of two-time Indy 500 champ Dan Wheldon, who died as a result of a multi-car crash during a race on Sunday in Las Vegas. But you didn’t have to be a fan of the sport to appreciate Wheldon or feel sadness looking back at his impressive, but all too-short, life.
The driver stopped by The Late Show with David Letterman this past June for a chat with the Indy enthusiast host, and it’s easy to see why Wheldon was beloved by those in his industry and elsewhere. The interview proved he was humble (he effortlessly joked around with Letterman, zinging back at the host during the interview, “As you pointed out, I’m not employed”), and simply loved what he did. It’s especially sad to hear Wheldon talk about upcoming races, now knowing that his life would end tragically because of one, but it’s nice to see him as the smiling, likable crossover star that fans remember. Watch the bittersweet clip below.
Were you a fan of Dan Wheldon’s, PopWatchers? Share your feelings on the late driver in the comments section below.
This brings tears to my eyes. Dan was an amazing racer. For almost an hour and a half yesterday I was able to keep hope and believed the unbelievable that he had survived. When drivers started breaking down into tears though…I lost it. I never met Dan, but I had been a fan of his since he started racing IndyCars. I enjoyed him this season commentating during races that he wasn’t able to participate in and was looking forward to years of him racing (he had just signed a deal yesterday morning) and then doing TV work. He was taken away from the world far too soon. My thoughts are with his friends, family and fellow racers today – especially his wife and two baby boys.
Well said. Thank you.
They should have promoted winners like him instead of Danica Patrick
From the clips of the crash it looks like he just got caught in the wrong place and was left with nowhere to go.
Such a tragic loss. What a great person to his fellow competitors and fans. One reason I adored him, was he was so fan friendly. I have followed all kinds of racing for over 40 yrs, he was one of a kind, a dying breed in the race world of high stakes and multi-million dollar contracts. I know I will miss him. My thoughts fo out to his family, the racing comunity and his fans.
The ironic thing is that apparently Wheldon was working and testing the new car that they’ll use next year, and one of the safety features (those cubes in the back covering the back tires) was to help prevent the car from getting airborne (which is how he ended up hitting the catch fence). His death is every bit as big and shocking to the Indy Car community as Dale Earnhardt’s death was to NASCAR.
Such a nice young man…I’m very sorry for his family and the Indy family overall. Thanks for recognizing this clip, EW…
The night before the Indycar race, there was a NASCAR race in Charlotte at which Jimmie Johnson crashed shortly before the end of the race. I remember the commentators discussing all the safety features that had been incorporated into NASCAR vehicles that allowed Johnson to essentially walk away from the crash. How ironic that the next day, a very nice young man who was at the top of his career was lost due to a horrific crash.
Condolences to Dan Wheldon’s family, friends, and fans.
Thoughts and prayers to Dan Wheldon’s wife and 2 small boys. I enjoyed Dan in the commentary booth this summer and loved watching him run up pit lane doing the pre-race interviews. Rest in Peace.
So very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Prayers to his family.
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