Tragedy at Las Vegas... Dan Wheldon RIP.

[Road Games]

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THE American racing community has been plunged into mourning following the death of Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon at today's IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas.

Wheldon – who was competing for a US$5 million bonus prize if we he could win after starting from the back of the grid – was involved in a multi-car accident in the early stages of the race.

He was airlifted to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

"INDYCAR is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries," announced INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernhard.

Wheldon, the two-time Indy 500 winner and former IndyCar Series champion, had been signed to drive with James Courtney of the Toll Holden Racing Team at this week's Armor All Gold Coast 600.

A multiple car pile-up was triggered after contact in the mid-pack.

An unsighted Wheldon had nowhere to go and launched off the crashed cars, hitting the outside catch fencing upside down and cockpit-first.

The 33-year-old Florida-based Brit was the winner of 16 IndyCar races and was the 2005 IndyCar Series champion.

The remaining 19 drivers and cars bravely headed back onto the circuit to run a five-lap tribute to Wheldon.

Also involved in the accident was Aussie Will Power, though the Team Penske driver emerged largely unscathed with back pain. No further update has yet been offered on his condition.

Power is signed with Ford Performance Racing for this weekend’s Gold Coast event, though the accident and race cancellation mean that Dario Franchitti has clinched the IndyCar Series title.