A TRAGIC END TO DAN WHELDON'S CAREER IN INDY RACING

Dan's tragic death over the weekend during an Indy series race in Las Vegas has sparked controversy over the safety of the series and particularly grid sizes in this 230mph sport. Whatever the outcome of last weekend's terrible events, Dan's career in this gladiatorial contest is fully documented in Veloce's book The British at Indianapolis including his Indy 500 win in 2005 and second places in 2009 and 2010 - a fitting tribute to a great racer.

The British at Indianapolis by Ian Wagstaff, follows the format of the author’s award winning The British at Le Mans. It recounts the history of the Indianapolis 500 race through the eyes and actions of those British born or British citizens who have driven in it, or been involved in any other way – be it as a designer, mechanic, or official. It also examines the British built cars that have won the Indy 500 and the significance of the rear-engined revolution brought to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Cooper in 1961, and elevated to success by Lotus and Lola. It includes such names as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Nigel Mansell, Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti. In addition to the 500 it includes other races at the IMS, notably Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the Formula One Grand Prix there. It is a story that goes back to the first 500 in 1911, when London-born Hughie Hughes became the first British-born driver to race in the 500, to the present day, with more British than ever competing in the race and British drivers winning twice in the last four years. More info.