Dan Wheldon crash investigation grows; IndyCar test run canceled

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With a public memorial service for Dan Wheldon set for Sunday, the investigation into the death of the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner has picked up pace.

IndyCar has announced that two larger auto-racing organizations will take part in the Wheldon crash investigation: Formula One governing body FIA and auto-racing sanctioning group Automobile Competition Committee, according to the Associated Press. Meantime, IndyCar officials on Tuesday canceled tests planned for this week of the new 2012 race car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the 33-year-old Wheldon died in a stunning 15-car crash Sunday.

Dario Franchitti had been set to to make the test run in Vegas on Wednesday and Thursday.

Franchitti’s wife, actress Ashley Judd, said on Twitter: ‘I appreciate IndyCar canceling my husband’s test at Las Vegas track. The new car needs development — but not now, and never again there.’

Judd earlier memorialized her husband’s good friend:

As we continue to absorb Dan’s accident -- we forget, remember, re-experience shock, denial, anger, pain -- I’m reminded of a favorite poem: DEATH be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so, For, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow, Due not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest & sleepe, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure then from thee, much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee doe goe, Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie. One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die. J Donne.

Sunday’s service is set to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern time at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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-- Amy Hubbard