Dan Wheldon’s untimely death will likely lead to tighter safety precautions in racing. The 33-year-old died in a horrific 15-car crash at the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Oct. 16.
Wheldon’s crash has also sparked the hip-hop community’s interest in car racing. After his death was announced, rap star Lupe Fiasco tweeted his condolences. “My heart goes out to the entire @indycar family and the family of Dan Wheldon #77 and his team. May God have mercy.”
LeBron James also tweeted, “R.I.P to IndyCar Driver Dan Wheldon! Dies In 15-Car Crash At Las Vegas Race #tragedy. You’ll be missed from Sports.”
The hip-hop community continues to grow closer to car racing. Ludacris and Tyrese joined forces for the hit movie Fast Five. A film involving fast cars, it highlighted the culture of race car driving.
In 2011, Vibe magazine teamed up with NASCAR to place a logo on rookie driver Darrell Wallace Jr.’s car in support of Drive for Diversity program.
One of 50 Cent’s newest business ventures includes his foray into NASCAR with the No. 32 racing team with driver Mike Bliss.
Wheldon’s death should provoke new regulations in professional car racing as hip-hop pays closer attention to the sport.
