IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon killed in crash at Las Vegas

[IPD]

Wheldon didn't die because of an issue with the HANS device, he pretty much had his face smashed into the catch fence.

Wheldon was caught in that second wreck IPD.

if i worded that poorly, i apologize. i wasn't suggesting that hans was the problem. i was trying to state that an ENCLOSED CABIN with all of the modern safety features in place---makes it virtually impossible to be involved in a fatal crash. it COULD still happen, but it's very, very unlikely.

i think rolex series daytona prototypes are great because they were purpose-designed to create MORE drag with the high cabin, while still allowing for substantial aerodynamic benefits that sprint-cup cars do not have.

[stealthee]

The problem was the amount of cars on a smaller track.

Scotty

NASCAR runs that same track with 43 cars. Thats 9 more than the starting grid for the IndyCar race.

[green-lantern]

The problem was the amount of cars on a smaller track.

Scotty

This is a big part of it. Drivers were concerned about it before the race.

[green-lantern]

if i worded that poorly, i apologize. i wasn't suggesting that hans was the problem. i was trying to state that an ENCLOSED CABIN with all of the modern safety features in place---makes it virtually impossible to be involved in a fatal crash. it COULD still happen, but it's very, very unlikely.

This is what I was saying before. Your head is exposed and if you get the right angle it can...well you guys know

[GTO Assassin]

NASCAR runs that same track with 43 cars. Thats 9 more than the starting grid for the IndyCar race.

You can't really compare NASCAR to Indy. Different cars, different speeds, and different outcomes (highly likely) when crashes occur.

Scotty

[green-lantern]

You can't really compare NASCAR to Indy. Different cars, different speeds, and different outcomes (highly likely) when crashes occur.

Scotty

And the biggie, a massive cage around the driver. The fence is a soft landing for NASCAR, the wall, not so much.

[Macky]

Here are a couple pictures I found showing Dan going airborne and has flames around his cockpit.

[beepbeep]

Scary business......

[Boomer3000]

Wow... just wow.