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BRDC president Derek Warwick mourns loss of 'great talent' Wheldon

Dan Wheldon was one of the 'great talents of his generation' according to British Racing Drivers' Club president Derek Warwick

Wheldon was killed after suffering injuries in an accident during the early stages of the IndyCar Series finale at Las Vegas on Sunday.

"On behalf of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to Dan's wife Susie and their boys Sebastian and Oliver, as well as the rest of his family and his team following the tragic news of his death," Warwick said in a statement.

"The BRDC is extremely proud of Dan and all that he achieved and was achieving in the United States.

"He was undoubtedly one of the great talents of his generation as his racing results testified. Two victories in the Indy 500 put him in a very select group of drivers and having won the Rookie of the Year honours in 2003 it was no surprise that he should win the IndyCar championship in 2005. Dan followed this in 2006 by winning the BRDC Gold Star, beating the likes of Jenson Button, Mark Webber, David Coulthard and Dario Franchitti to this coveted award."

The BRDC was instrumental in the development of Wheldon's junior career and he was twice nominated as McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalist in 1996 and '97.

"Dan was, for many years, part of the BRDC 'Rising Stars' young driver programme," said Warwick. "So proud of this recognition was he, that even after qualifying to be a Full Member of the BRDC he chose to remain a Rising Star, as he felt it represented what he was and helped the IndyCar world understand where he was set on going; to the very top.

"When Dan did eventually become a Full Member of the BRDC he commented at the time, 'To be included in a group of such great names makes me feel very special. I will do everything that I can to represent the BRDC in a way that makes you all very proud.'

"Dan Wheldon was a great ambassador for the BRDC and motor sport generally. He will be hugely missed."

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