Frightening Crash Halts INDYCAR World Championships

A terrifying crash has halted the INDYCAR World Championships in Las Vegas and, though specifics have yet to be confirmed, Dan Wheldon appears to have seriously injured as a result.

On lap 11, Wade Cunningham got loose and spun in turn one directly into the path of J.R. Hildebrand. Hildebrand ran up over the back of Cunningham, setting in motion a 15-car pileup that sent Hildebrand, Will Power, Pippa Mann, and Wheldon airborne. Hildebrand (headaches), Mann (possibly injured hand and/or legs and feet) and Power (back pain) were all transported to a local hospital, but all three appear okay.

[IMG1]Wheldon, however, may not have been as lucky. The crash saw him launch over E.J. Viso and Charlie Kimball and into the outside wall and catch-fencing, ripping the roll hoop, air inlet, and engine cover completely off the car. He came to rest at the exit of turn two and safety crew had to extricate him from the car. He was then airlifted to the same local hospital.

Tracy said in a t.v. interview that the situation did not look good. "I saw two cars touch in front of me and couldn’t slow down," said the veteran. "Dan (Wheldon), from what I saw, came over me. It was a horrendous accident. It’s going to be a long recovery (for him). It’s a bad situation."

We will report more information as it is made available.

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2011