IMS STATEMENT ON PASSING OF INDIANAPOLIS 500 WINNER WHELDONA statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered in the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented By Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:"We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon. He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all of motorsports. Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father and man - a good friend to so many in this sport. His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."INDYCAR, its drivers and teams decided to end the race. They ran  a five-lap salute in honor of Dan Wheldon, 33, who won "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in 2005 and 2011

Wheldon was involved in a 15 car accident which occured on lap 12 of the race, his car became airborne and hit the fencing before bursting into flames.  He was airlifted to hospital but subsequently died of his injuries.

Wheldon, a family man with two young children, won the Indy 500 in May for the second time in his career and won the Indycar Series Championship in 2005.