Dan Wheldon: a career in pictures

As a rookie in 1999 Dan Wheldon took his third win in the US F2000 National Championship presented by Speedvision season, beating Bobby Oergel and Steve Rikert to the checkered flag at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Photograph: Todd A. Swift/Getty Images

Wheldon takes time out to pose for a photograph before the Indycar Series pre-season 'Test in the West' on 3 February, 2003 at the California Speedway in Fontana Photograph: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Wheldon straps on his helmet before he climbs into his Andretti Green Racing Honda Dallara during practice at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth in June, 2003 Photograph: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Wheldon gets ready for his qualifying session at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth in 2004 Photograph: Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Wheldon poses for a portrait at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after qualifying for pole in 2004 Photograph: Michael Kim/Corbis

Wheldon celebrates winning the Indy Challenge in June 2004 at the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia Photograph: Darrell Ingham/Getty Images

Wheldon focuses before a Test session at the Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona in 2005 Photograph: Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Wheldon celebrates after winning the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, 2005 Photograph: Mark Cowan/Icon SMI/Corbis

Wheldon gestures to photographers during the 95th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Trophy Presentation on May 30, 2011 Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty Images

Wheldon celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 on 29 May, 2011 Photograph: Michael Conroy/AP

Wheldon speaks with reporters after finishing in second place in the Indianapolis 500 on 30 May, 2010 Photograph: Jeff Roberson/AP

Wheldon takes part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex in July, 2011 Photograph: Gary Hawkins / Rex Features/Gary Hawkins / Rex Features

Wheldon prepares for qualifying at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on 14 October, just two days before his fatal crash Photograph: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

In this photo provided by Ken Faught of Pole Position Raceway, Wheldon is photographed at a charity event for his fellow IndyCar driver Graham Rahal on October 12, in Las Vegas Photograph: Ken Faught/AP

Wheldon plays blackjack at a charity tournament in Las Vegas on October 14, 2011 Photograph: Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Wheldon's car flies in the air after a collision at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Photograph: Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Will Power's car hits the wall as flames from Wheldon's car can be seen on the left of the image Photograph: STR/Reuters

Wheldon is transported to a medical helicopter after the crash Photograph: Isaac Brekken/AP

A man reacts along the pit row as news of Dan Wheldon's death emerges Photograph: Isaac Brekken/AP

IndyCar drivers, including Dario Franchitti (foreground) of Scotland, line up for five tribute laps to honour Wheldon at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Photograph: Steve Marcus/Reuters

Team members line the pitlane as the drivers set off for five memorial laps Photograph: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Fans stand show their emotion as the drivers complete the tribute laps Photograph: Eric Jamison/AP

Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 Andretti Autosport Dallara Honda, is consoled by a crew member Photograph: Robert Laberge/Getty Images