re: IRL Wreck at LVMS--RIP Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

quote:

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A track they were nervous about before the race at that

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It was originally built as an open wheel track, with corners that had almost no banking (like Indy).

However, with the rise of NASCAR and decline of open wheel racing in the U.S., LVMS had to increase the banking in the turns to make stock car racing better and more exciting to the 160k NASCAR fans that would show up for the LV race. This made the open wheel cars go much much faster.

Once these cars get over 220 or so, the g-forces are too much for the drivers and vertigo problems set in as well. I remember a race about 10 years ago or so where the drivers refused to race because the track (NOT LVMS) configuration allowed their cars to go well over 230 mph.

quote:

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It was originally built as an open wheel track, with corners that had almost no banking (like Indy).

However, with the rise of NASCAR and decline of open wheel racing in the U.S., LVMS had to increase the banking in the turns to make stock car racing better and more exciting to the 160k NASCAR fans that would show up for the LV race. This made the open wheel cars go much much faster.

Once these cars get over 220 or so, the g-forces are too much for the drivers and vertigo problems set in as well. I remember a race about 10 years ago or so where the drivers refused to race because the track (NOT LVMS) configuration allowed their cars to go well over 230 mph.

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That track you are talking about it Texas Motor Speedway. Drivers were going so fast they would nearly pass out.

Prayers to Family
RIP

Yeah. Hearing those interviews about all of them being nervous was crazy. They should've said something about it before the race if they were all so nervous.

What sad, sad news.

Very very tragic. RIP.

Horrible news. RIP Dan.

Pic of his car, post-accident:

LINK

Not graphic, but the fact that his helmet is coming apart in the back probably isn't good for business.

Holy God, how can a helmet come apart?!?