Horrific crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - IZOD IndyCar World Championship - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Mike F · 10-16-2011, 05:24 PM

Seeing the airborne cars reminded me of Greg Moore's fatal crash years ago. I'm fairly certain Franchitti was a part of that race, too.

Any death in a race is a tragedy, but when it comes on a track that, it seems, drivers knew ahead of time was unfit for racing, is infuriating.

Bertuzzied · 10-16-2011, 05:35 PM

I saw Greg Moore's crash live. as soon as you see it you just feel sick to your stomach because it's a pretty good chance he isn't going to survive.

Methanolic · 10-16-2011, 05:35 PM

This is an awful day. A sad day. I can only think of Dan's family.... his two young sons, his wife, his parents. Absolutely horrific.

This incident reminds me Greg Moore's death almost 12 years ago. Very hard to take in and comprehend.

They interviewed the cagey veteran Paul Tracy and it was interesting that he voiced his concern for the younger drivers and how they were handling the situation. Not to be cold, but Tracy has seen a lot of death and horrible injuries in his career and seemed to be taking it all in stride.

They do all know this is part of motor sports. They all say so after a tragic incident like today but that in no way makes it any easier to see as a race fan, competitor or friend. Rest in peace Dan.

burn_this_city · 10-16-2011, 05:46 PM

I remember Greg Moore's death pretty vividly, we were watching the race and when he went into that fence you knew it was bad. I can't believe that was 12 years ago.

Methanolic · 10-16-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike F

Seeing the airborne cars reminded me of Greg Moore's fatal crash years ago. I'm fairly certain Franchitti was a part of that race, too.

Back then it was C.A.R.T. "Championship Auto Racing Teams" and a lot of those drivers were there that horrible day of October 31st 1999. Tony Kannan, Paul Tracy, Dario Franchitti, Alex Tagliani, Helio Castroneves etc. The Fontana race was another track that drivers said was too dangerous for open wheel racing, Gil De Ferran set a closed track speed record there of 251 MPH in practice on October 30th 1999.

The grass infield and concrete barriers at Fontana played a major roll in Greg's death as when his car went sideways on the track, then hit the grass it was impossible for him to control his car and there was nothing to slow the momentum. The infield has since been altered with asphalt and the infield concrete walls have been changed.

Methanolic · 10-16-2011, 06:05 PM

Seeing the 5 lap tribute for Weldon was very Sad and must have been tough for the drivers but a classy move from the event organizers.

Thinking back, I would have liked to have seen the same tribute for Moore and the race stopped.

In Greg's case, he was air lifted, pronounced dead, the flags lowered to half staff and the race continued with his peers knowing he was gone. Sad.

flylock shox · 10-16-2011, 06:33 PM

Jeebus...

I imagine some crazy in-car footage will be coming out of this later on. I suppose these things are almost land-planes, so not surprising they can fly like that.

Mike F · 10-16-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flylock shox

Jeebus...

I imagine some crazy in-car footage will be coming out of this later on. I suppose these things are almost land-planes, so not surprising they can fly like that.

They're exactly like land planes, though, if things are working properly, the aerodynamics of the wings push the car down (i.e. downforce) rather than pushing it up (i.e. lift).

Disturb the aerodynamics, though, and they're uncontrollable missiles

Finny61 · 10-16-2011, 08:29 PM

I was already having a bad day, real swift kick in the gut to hear about Dan passing away. A very sad day and awful way to finish the indy season. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Resolute 14 · 10-16-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike F

Seeing the airborne cars reminded me of Greg Moore's fatal crash years ago. I'm fairly certain Franchitti was a part of that race, too.

Any death in a race is a tragedy, but when it comes on a track that, it seems, drivers knew ahead of time was unfit for racing, is infuriating.

FWIW, they have raced that track in the past. The cars are just getting too fast, however.

T@T · 10-16-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flylock shox

Jeebus...

I imagine some crazy in-car footage will be coming out of this later on. I suppose these things are almost land-planes, so not surprising they can fly like that.

It was on youtube earlier but it was taken down..at least I can no longer find it.

It was mortly air and an abrupt end as soon as the car hit the top of the wall.

Drake · 10-16-2011, 10:42 PM

I'm not sure if anyone is aware these but three others were transported to hospital. Will Power has been released from the hospital. Pippa Mann and JR Hildebrand are being held overnight for observation, but our awake and alert.

I only watched IndyCar when there was nothing else on to watch and Dan was by far the happiest guy around. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family, and the entire racing world as there are all family.. RIP Dan.

I-Hate-Hulse · 10-16-2011, 11:54 PM

I'm incredibly saddened by this. I love motor racing, and while I've turned my back to "IndyCar" (FU Tony George), I still have a lot of admiration for a winner of the Indy 500.

Seeing his car launch into the catch fencing rollbar first....horrible.

A vivid reminder that motor racing is not a children game played by men.

Freeway · 10-17-2011, 12:12 AM

Eerily, Moore crash was two weeks shy of EXACTLY 12 years ago, in an oval in a late-season race in California.

calumniate · 10-17-2011, 07:49 AM

Out of curiosity, was it Dan that failed to brake at all? It seems like he tried to go outside, and was the 2nd car in the air? Hard to imagine yourself from his perspective and in that situation but do you think it was error on is part?

That being said, RIP.. so sad.

Hack&Lube · 10-17-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calumniate

Out of curiosity, was it Dan that failed to brake at all? It seems like he tried to go outside, and was the 2nd car in the air? Hard to imagine yourself from his perspective and in that situation but do you think it was error on is part?

That being said, RIP.. so sad.

Braking at 200 MPH when the other cars are all slamming on their brakes and each car was neck to neck in the first place is what caused all this. There's not really anything you can do in that amount of time and distance at those speeds. You're just going to slam into the car in front of you or fly over it.

You Need a Thneed · 10-17-2011, 09:51 AM

Yup, you really are screwed no matter what you do. Don't brake, and you'll hit the car in front of you. Brake, and the car behind you will slam into you. Veer left or right, and you'll hit someone else.

Jimmy Stang · 10-17-2011, 10:25 AM

I don't follow racing much anymore, but I was a big F1 follower when Senna died, and that left a lasting impression on me. The strange thing about Senna's crash, although at high speed, didn't seem (on TV at least) that it would cause his death.

From what I have seen of the Wheldon crash, I am actually surprised (but thankful) that there weren't even more injuries to the drivers. Complete mayhem. Although these guys know the risks of their profession, it certainly doesn't diminish the tragedy for his family, the drivers/crew/etc., as well as the fans.

PIMking · 10-17-2011, 01:50 PM

I met Dan last year at the Alabama Grand Prix. I had paddock passes and he allowed me to actually get into the pit stall and take some good photos.

Drake · 10-17-2011, 10:07 PM

These was really sad to begin with but the more I read and found out stuff it becomes even sadder. Ric Moore was at the track for the first time since Greg was killed, Dan & Susie had tattoos of their initials S.W. and D.W tattooed onto their wrists the night before.

A very touching piece done by motorsports writer Brant James who knew Dan very well. http://www.baynews9.com/article/spor...garious-spirit