I know this is non F1 related news but Paul belongs to the motorsport community, just as the rest of us fans and drivers alike do. I would wish to extend condolences towards his family, and express sadness that tragedy has once again struck one of the top ranks of American motorsport.
RIP Paul
IRL Release Addressing Paul Dana's Fatal Crash
Sunday, 26 March 2006
HOMESTEAD, Fla., Sunday, March 26, 2006 – IRL IndyCar® Series driver Paul
Dana suffered fatal injuries in a practice crash March 26 before the Toyota Indy
300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He was 30.
Dana, a native of St. Louis who lived in Indianapolis, was pronounced dead
shortly before noon (EST) at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, a Level 1
trauma center.
Driver Ed Carpenter, who also was involved in the two-car crash, was listed
in stable condition at the hospital, said Dr. Henry Bock, Indy Racing League
director of medical services. Both drivers were airlifted to the trauma center.
At 10:03 a.m., about two minutes into the session in preparation for the
season-opening race, CarpenterÂ’s car spun high in Turn 2 and slid down the
banking. It almost came to a stop when it was struck in the left-rear by DanaÂ’s
car traveling at full speed.
“Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the Dana family and everyone
associated with the Rahal Letterman race team,” Indy Racing League President and
Chief Operating Officer Brian Barnhart said in making the announcement at the
track.
Rahal Letterman Racing withdrew the cars of DanaÂ’s teammates, 2004
Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice and 2005 IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of
the Year Danica Patrick, from the race.
“It is a very black day for us, and on behalf of our entire team our prayers
and sympathy go out to the entire Dana family,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal,
the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner.
Dana finished second in the 2004 Indy Pro Series standings, with a victory
at Milwaukee. He debuted in the series in 2003, finishing ninth in points. Dana
moved up to the IndyCar Series with Hemelgarn Racing in 2005 but competed in
only three races due to a season-ending back injury suffered in May during
practice for the Indianapolis 500.
Dana is survived by his wife, Tonya.
NAME: Paul Dana.
AGE: 30; born in St. Louis, Mo., on April 15, 1975.
FAMILY: Dana and his wife, Tonya, live in Indianapolis. No children.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in journalism from the Northwestern University.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - Started as a motorsports journalist for several magazines, including Autoweek and Sports Illustrated, but dreamed of getting behind the wheel.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE: 1996-1997, debuted in Bridgestone Racing School Mechanics Championship and won three races; 1998-1999, ran in Skip Barer Formula Dodge Series, earning six wins and seven poles; 2000, competed in Formula Ford 1600 SCCA Nationals; 2001; made national USF2000 series debut, earning two top fives, and finished second in U.S. F3 series debut at Mosport Park; 2003, six top 10 finishes as a rookie in Indy Pro Series; 2004, finished second in Indy Pro Series points with victory at Milwaukee Mile and pole at Homestead-Miami Speedway; 2005, competed in three IRL IndyCar Series races, finishing season-best 10th in debut at Homestead, sustained season-ending broken back in crash during practice for Indianapolis 500 in May; 2006, signed with Rahal Letterman Racing.
LINCOLN (AP) -- Nebraska's corn industry was mourning the death of Indy Racing League driver Paul Dana, who was credited with convincing the IRL to switch to ethanol fuel in its vehicles beginning next year.
Dana suffered fatal injuries Sunday in a crash during a practice run before a race Florida.
Dana was in Lincoln last summer to discuss the IRL's ethanol decision and to help promote ethanol use by Nebraska motorists.
"He had a vision that ethanol, and American-made renewable fuel, should be the fuel used by the IRL," said Scott Merritt, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. "He took that idea and worked diligently to make it a reality."
Randy Klein, Nebraska Corn Board market development director, said Dana was an effective advocate for ethanol and a good friend to corn producers.