FORMER Isle of Man resident Alex Lloyd escaped serious injury during a tragic IndyCar race in Las Vegas on Sunday evening in which British driver Dan Wheldon lost his life.
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| Alex Lloyd |
Lloyd was one of 15 drivers involved in a massive accident on turn two of lap 13 in the season finale of the IndyCar Championship, resulting in some cars becoming airborn and several bursting into flames. Lloyd’s vehicle was one such victim as it was reduced to a smouldering wreck on the track but, fortunately, he walked away unscathed.
However, it was nothing compared to Buckinghamshire-born Wheldon whose No.77 car, after leaving the surface, collided with the barriers and was reduced to debris.
The 33-year-old Briton was airlifted to the nearby University Medical Center where he received treatment but, sadly, he succumbed to his injuries with his wife and two children at his bedside when he passed.
Speaking on Twitter after the race, Lloyd could not hide his grief: ‘This is one of the saddest days of my life. Can’t believe we have lost him. He was a true champion and a great friend.’
It was the first fatality in the competition for five years since Paul Dana was killed during practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
