Dan Wheldon's father Clive has made a brief statement to the media in his native England on the tragic death of his son in Sunday's Las Vegas IndyCar finale:
"The family would like to thank everybody for their overwhelming sympathy in such a difficult time," said Clive Wheldon. "Daniel was born to be a racer and yesterday he left us doing what he loved. He was a true gentleman and champion, on and off the track. He was a devoted son to Sue and myself, loving husband to his wife Susie, and a loving father to his children Oliver and Sebastian.
"Words cannot describe how much our family will miss him. He touched so many and the world is a better place for him having been in it. We want to thank everyone for allowing us time to grieve in private.'
In addition, the management company for the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner released the following statement:
GP Sports Management is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our dear friend and client, Dan Wheldon.
Dan was a winner. For the past 11 years we were privileged to watch Dan become a champion on the track and a devoted family man off it. He loved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was immensely proud to have his name etched twice on the Borg Warner Trophy alongside some of the Indy 500 greats.
He touched so many people in racing and around the world with his warm smile, his charming personality and his genuine good nature. Dan loved his fans and always took that extra bit of time to take a photo, to sign an autograph, to make some young kid smile at the racetrack. Everyone wanted to be around Dan. His passion and his enthusiasm for life was infectious. We will all miss him...
A true champion of motorsport...
A proud brother to Austin, Ashley, Elliott and Holly...
A devoted son to Clive and Sue...
A loving husband to Susie...
A doting father to his boys, Sebastian and Oliver...
And our friend...
Rest in peace Dan...your memory will live with us forever.
We would like to thank everyone for all of the messages of condolences that we have received and right now our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wheldon family.