Dan Wheldon was Preceded in Death by Other IndyCar Racers

COMMENTARY | Sunday was not a cool fall day for some. It proved to be blazing hot at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for many. Dan Wheldon's life was claimed on Oct. 16, while trying to attain a $5 million bonus as he raced in the Izod IndyCar Series season finale. Wheldon won the Great Britain IndyCar race in 2005 and the Indianapolis 500 earlier this year. Wheldon was only 33-years-old. He was not just an IndyCar vet, he was a husband and father.

Wheldon was preceded in death by other IndyCar racers. On May 15, 1992, Jovy Marcelo died at the age of 27 while preparing himself for his very first Indianapolis 500. IndyCar racers Scott Brayton and Jeff Krosnoff died in 1996. Brayton was the 40th driver to die at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Many pursue fame and fortune, some even acquire it. For some who find recognition and riches, the price seems too high and the burden too heavy. Young lives are claimed while racing vehicles, which in turn leaves spouses and children behind. Money doesn't follow one to the grave nor does being renown benefit one after death. Sure, legends live on and memories are kept alive, but that does not benefit the deceased.

Is the price paid worth the possible penalty? Are the dangers associated with racing for IndyCar, NASCAR, or Grand Prix worth the risks? The racers certainly know the dangers before getting behind the wheel. While I don't think the repeated risk is worth the possible repercussions, others obviously do. They show this by their actions when they choose to race. The number of deaths are low, still it seems many young lives are claimed before their time.

I suppose the same could be said of those who are police officers, firefighters, and who serve in the military. The risks related to careers that save lives makes more sense as someone has to step up and be brave.

Some may say that people who take chances and die as a result, have left this earth doing what they love. This was the case for Dawn Brancheau, the 40 year old whale trainer at Sea World, whose life was taken by Shamu last February.

While auto racing is entertaining to watch, nobody would die if the competition did not go on. The same can be said for shows at Sea World.

The loss of life is devastating. Sunday was not just a fiery autumn day, it was a gloomy one as well. My sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Wheldon.

RIP Dan Wheldon 1978-2011