Dan Wheldon, seen here kissing the trophy after winning this season's Indianapolis 500, died in a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon.

Wheldon was a popular and personable driver who spent nine full seasons in the IndyCar Series and competed in a handful of races this season. Over the course of his career, he scored 16 IndyCar wins. He had 43 podium appearances and won five pole positions. Wheldon tallied a stunning average finish of 8.1. In addition, he had two wins in the Firestone Indy Lights Series and one in the Grand-Am series over the course of his career.

Wheldon's impact on the sport went beyond his racing, though, as he was testing Indy's new car for next season. A former series champion, he will be missed by those who competed against him and those who watched him do so. Here is a look at some of his most memorable career moments.

Wheldon won it all in 2005, a career season in many respects. The Andretti Green Racing driver won six races and stood on the podium nine times en route to the IndyCar Series championship.

Wheldon was a winner on the sport's biggest stage. Twice.

He first won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 while driving for Andretti Green Racing. He came back for a stirring win in 2011, taking the Bryan Herta-owned team to a stunning upset win in the race.

Robert Clarke of Honda (left) sprays champagne over Wheldon after he earned his first career victory, which came in the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 on April 17, 2004 at the Twin Ring Motegi. Wheldon would go on to earn 16 career IndyCar wins.

Wheldon drove the No. 7 Andretti Green Racing Team 7-Eleven Honda Dallara in 2003, the season in which he earned his first podium appearance. Wheldon finished third at Texas Motor Speedway driving for the team, his first career top finish in the IndyCar ranks.

Wheldon (left, with Andretti Green Racing teammate Tony Kanaan) came close to more championships twice.

In 2004, he finished second to Kanaan in the final tally after earning three wins and 11 podium finishes. In 2006, he once more finished as the series runner-up, this time to Sam Hornish Jr., in a season in which he earned a pair of wins and seven podium finishes.