Racer Dan Wheldon killed in massive crash at IndyCar finale

Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner and one of the most popular drivers in open-wheel racing, died in a fiery 15-car crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, U.S. media reported. The 33-year-old racer's car was one of the last to become ensnarled in the pile-up. It went sailing through the air, flew high into the fence before landing upside down on the edge of the wall. The crash left the speedway track strewn with debris. The tragedy occurred during the 11th lap of the IndyCar Series season finale, the Las Vegas Indy 300. The racer was taken to hospital in a helicopter, but doctors were unable to save his life Three other drivers, including championship contender Will Power, were hurt in the pileup. The track was red-flagged following the accident while crews worked on fences and removed smashed cars. Drivers took part in a five-lap salute around the oval in Wheldon's honor. Wheldon won the Indy 500 in 2005 and 2011 and was in line to win $5 million had he won the race.