Dan Wheldon: Lionheart
LIONHEART Anyone who has met Dan Wheldon understands why he is called "Lionheart" and why he was one of racing's most loved drivers. He touched the hearts of everyone he made contact with, going out of his way to pose for another pic or sign an autograph for a young fan, even donating his race winnings to charities. Last October we lost a great ambassador to the sport of INDYCAR and a friend to all of us. Let's look back and see what made him the driver and the man he was...
Humble beginnings... In Emberton, England 1978 a STAR is born. Dan started his racing career at the fresh age of four in his home of England, beginning with karting and showing promise racing with another future racing champion, Jensen Button (Formula 1).
Coming to America After competing in the Formula Vauxhall Junior series (just losing the championship to Jenson Button), and Formula Ford series, he had to find another way to keep his racing career on track. Dan traveled "across the pond" and tried his skills at American open wheel racing in the US F2000 (won Championship), Toyota Atlantic series (2nd overall) and then Firestone Indy Lights (2nd overall), showing success in each and eventually working his way to the pinnacle of racing... The IndyCar series.
A STAR ON THE RISE In 2002 Dan climbed into an Indy Car with Panther Racing for 2 races. The next season he took over for Michael Andretti after his retirement, eventually receiving the honor as Rookie of the Year, showing that he was a star brightening for all to notice... and he would make sure everyone indeed noticed him. In 2004 he recorded his first win at Twin Ring Motegi and came in second in championship points to his close friend Tony Kanaan, the season after He won 6 races (IndyCar modern record) including that years Indianapolis 500 and was the series Champion. Dan Wheldon had finally made it.
He had further success through the next few years, in 2006 venturing into the Rolex Sports car series with Chip Ganassi and winning 24 Hours of Daytona. He couldn't be held down from winning and doing what he loved.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD In 2008, Dan married the love of his life Susie and in February 2009 Dan and Susie witnessed the birth of their first son, Sebastian (Maybe another future Star) and in March, 2011 Oliver Wheldon was born. He also was testing the future chassis of IndyCar. He was as happy as could be on and off the track. Never have I heard or seen a driver appreciate his fans and his life like Dan did during his years in IndyCar.
Dan signing me an autograph in 2010
May 29, 2011 95th Indianapolis 500 Thousands of fans gathered at Indy like they do every year, warm, sunny, and 33 cars take to the track... The "greatest spectacle in racing" turned exactly into that. With fuel strategy, hard driving, circumstance and the races final laps winding down, no one knew who would win. With a one lap to go J.R. Hildebrand was at point with Wheldon behind. "The leader hit the wall! go! go!" Dan comes down the straight and passes J.R. for a win in the 100th anniversary of the biggest race in the world. We witnessed history, and he lived it.
(Dan with wife Susie and sons Sebastian and Oliver beside the Borg Warner Trophy in Indy)October 16, 2011... Las Vegas. A historical phrase "A day that would live in infamy..." could only describe the events that were to take place. We were all excited about the days events and who would win the championship. Will Power and Dario Franchitti were close in points and Dan was racing for 5 million dollars to share with a fan. Lap 12, a horrific crash in turn 2, 15 cars flipping spinning and some ablaze. We've seen wrecks before, but this one was different. All drivers got out of their cars, except Dan. They took him to the infield care center, then flew him to the ER. We waited, and waited and waited... The news was heart breaking, race fans were crushed when Randy Bernard and IndyCar announced Dans passing. IndyCar and racing changed that day.
The 5 lap tribute in honor of Dan Wheldon (break out the tissues)
Looking forward and the LEGACY of Lionheart
Someone once said, "A star that shines twice as bright, lives half as long" and Dans star burned bright as the sun. We should all strive to be as warm and full of life as him. As we look forward to the future of the sport of racing and IndyCar, we will have a car that is safer, hopefully tracks that are safer, and a racing fan community that is second to none. Though we will put behind us the event of Dan's passing, we will never forget what joy and fun he brought to all of us that met, watched, and cheered for him and appreciate the work he did to make our sport and the new car (dubbed the DW12 in honor of Dan) better for future drivers. Thank you Dan.
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