Story Published: Oct 25, 2011 at 2:08 PM PDT
Story Updated: Oct 25, 2011 at 2:38 PM PDT
Davey Hamilton.
On Sunday, popular racer Dan Wheldon lost his life. For Hamilton, Wheldon was not just a competitor, but a close friend he spent time with two nights before his untimely death.
"We went to dinner Friday night and was able to just catch up on times," said Hamilton. "But at least I got to spend a little time with him and remember him in that way."
It was just 11 laps into the Indy Car season finale at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway when tragedy struck. Davey said it was too early in the competition for drivers to be racing as hard as they were.
"I could just sense as a driver, being in so many races, that we were too close, too fast, too many crazy things happening and drivers being way too aggressive and unfortunately I was right in the middle of it,"said Hamilton.
What he was in the middle of, were 15 cars crashing out of control. It was a scene in which no driver, including Davey, could have ever imagined.
"It was horrifying you know," said Hamilton. "There was Dan's car flying through the air, there was a car upside down sliding by me, pieces and parts flying everywhere. If you showed me that incident in a movie, I would say there is no way that would ever happen in our sport but it did. It was reality. I can't really get the thought out of my mind."
Davey said this unfortunate accident should bring about major safety changes in the Indy Car Series, mainly focusing around the fencing and poles that surround the tracks. As he and other drivers mourn the loss of a close friend, this accident has also left him contemplating the future of his career.
"I can't honestly say I am done forever, but I can pretty much put a stamp on that I am done other than the Indy 500," said Hamilton.
