Walkinshaw, the Team Principal at Toll Holden Racing, issued the following statement via the team's website:
"I considered it a huge honour to spend time with Dan earlier this year at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis when we met to finalise our agreement for him to join our team for the Gold Coast," Walkinshaw said.
"What grabbed my attention most was Dan's character, he was an incredible person with a huge passion for life and love for his family.
"It is a very sad day for the Toll Holden Racing Team but, more importantly, it is one of true sadness for Dan's family. To them we offer our sincerest condolences."
