NEWTON, Iowa. – By the time they strapped into their cars for qualifying Saturday at Iowa Speedway, Izod IndyCar Series drivers were aware that Danish driver Allan Simonsen had died earlier in the day following a crash during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It was an uncomfortable topic of conversation.
"It's tragic, and it always brings it back that we're doing a dangerous sport," said Sebastien Bourdais, who has competed in the famous French endurance race 10 times and has earned runner-up finishes with Peugeot in 2007, 2009 and 2011. "When you travel at these kinds of speeds, things can go wrong. It's just a shame when it takes a life."
James Jakes, who knew Simonsen through a racing acquaintance and called him "a great guy," echoed Bouradais' sentiments.
"You just have to close your visor and get on with it," Jakes said. "It's tough, but it's the world we live in. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. In the world of motor racing, we have a sense of invincibility sometimes, but something like this is going to happen from time to time. It's a sad day."
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Professional racing has been marred by fatal crashes in recent weeks. NASCAR driver Jason Leffler, who was also well-known in IndyCar circles, died June 12 when his sprint car crashed at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, N.J. Josh Burton, a 22-year-old from Bloomington, Ind., died in a sprint-car crash May 27 at Bloomington Speedway.
Simonsen was killed when his Aston Martin, competing in the GTE AM class, spun and skidded into a barrier. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The subject of fatal accidents isn't always a welcome one, especially before a race. Two drivers close to the world of IndyCar, Ryan Briscoe and Marino Franchitti -- brother of Dario Franchitti -- are racing in Le Mans this weekend, and drivers at Iowa Speedway spent their downtime Saturday watching live coverage of the race from their motor coaches in the infield.
IndyCar is still healing from the loss of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, who was killed in a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October 2011. Those who talked Saturday at Iowa were reluctant. Will Power, who knew Simonsen and raced against him earlier in their careers, declined to comment.
Bourdais did his best to put it into perspective.
"It's our job and our passion," Bourdais said. "You know it's part of it. It's not because it happens that it changes anything. It's just another reminder. Yes, it's unfortunate, but it's part of our lives and part of our sport. It's something you either deal with, or you do something else."
Simonsen, 34, became the first driver fatality at the high-speed endurance event since 1997. He crashed out around 10 minutes after the start of the race, spinning out and skidding into the barrier at a point where cars typically reach speeds of up to 105 mph.
"Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services in attendance, Allan's injuries proved fatal," Aston Martin said in a statement on its website.
Sebastien Enjolras died in pre-qualifying in 1997. The last driver fatality in the 24-hour race itself was Jo Gartner in 1986.
The worst crash in Le Mans history occurred in 1955 when Pierre Levegh's Mercedes flew into the crowd, killing more than 80 spectators.Aston Martin Racing, which had entered five Vantage V8 cars in the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am classes, will continue in the race "at the specific request" of Simonsen's family and in tribute to the Danish driver.
IndyCar series leader Helio Castroneves tweeted: "Very sad to know about the fatal accident of Allan Simonsen on Le Mans today. Praying for him and (his) family."
IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan tweeted: "Such a tragic news on the passing of @AllanSimonsen. Sad day in motorsports again. Thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Contributing: The Associated Press
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