Auto racing loses class guy with Wheldon’s death

Less than a month ago, Dan Wheldon sat in Iowa Speedway's infield.

After British auto racer talked to media about work on a prototype for next year's IZOD IndyCar, he exposed his personal side, reminiscing about one of his more special achievements during about a decade of IZOD IndyCar Series racing. He showed he was much more than a talent IndyCar driver when discussing how his friends and family enhanced his second Indianapolis 500 victory.

Unfortunately, auto racing was dealt a crushing blow in its season finale when the 33-year-old Wheldon died Sunday from injuries suffered in a horrific 15-car crash on Lap 13 of IZOD IndyCar World Championships at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He became the first fatality in an IndyCar event since Paul Dana at Homestead, Fla., in 2006.

Wheldon, originally from Emberton, England, who resided in St. Petersburg, Fla., made only three starts this season, but one was in the sports crown jewel event in May.

"I think everybody understands how much I love Indianapolis," Wheldon said. "That whole race, the whole month, is just a phenomenal experience."

Wheldon won 16 races in 134 IndyCar starts, claiming the 2005 series championship, which was the first year he won the Indianapolis 500. He had many layers to him than just being a talented driver, and that was evident when he shared the reasons his last triumph was so memorable.

In a season that didn't produce a full-time ride, Wheldon got the chance to compete at Indianapolis thanks to former teammate and friend Bryan Herta of Bryan Herta Autosport. Wheldon recounted his call to Herta, asking for advice as he mulled over opportunities, when Herta offered him a car and a one-race deal. Wheldon said it was a chance to show the world he was still capable to perform, despite not having a full-time ride, and didn't want to let his friend down.

Wheldon, who displayed his humor and contagious broad smile that day in Newton, provided a glimpse of his loyalty and humility when praising Herta for his contribution to returning to victory lane.

"Bryan will always be a friend to me, but I'll never forget the efforts that he went to to do the job that he did for and everybody on the team," Wheldon said. "There were decisions that he made just out of giving me the best opportunity to win aside from everything else.

"You have to respect somebody that gives you that."

Wheldon ran that race while donning the Alzheimer's Association logo. His mother, Sue, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2009 and the disease kept her from attending. He choked up while mentioning her in a post-race interview. The win meant a lot to the entire family, according to Wheldon.

"It was particularly emotional for me," Wheldon said about racing for that cause. "It's been very tough on our family.

"Believe it or not, that day was my brother's birthday. The last time I won that race was my brother's birthday, too. My mother and father were with him at his family's house. Knowing I put a smile on their face I think meant more than anything to me."

It proves his character was worth much more than any trophy he hoisted in victory.

As much as Wheldon revelled in the two Indianapolis 500 wins, the failure to win in consecutive years had just as much affect on him. He said he dominated the majority of the race and coming up short had a stinging impact because of the love he had for the contest.

"It really did hurt me for like a month," Wheldon said. "I was absolutely devastated."

With Sunday's devastating events, it makes his win in May that much more significant.

Wheldon was selected to help test the 2012 IZOD IndyCar prototype chassis by Dallara, which brought him to Iowa Speedway on Sept. 20. It was his first test on an oval.

"It's brilliant," Wheldon said of the track. "It's a tough oval to come to and test."

If anyone could, it was Wheldon. One of Wheldon's IndyCar victories came at Iowa Speedway. In 2008 as a member of Chip Ganassi Racing, he won the second running of the Iowa Corn IndyCar 250, and the only driver other than Dario Franchitti to win in the first three years of the event in Newton. Wheldon generosity and compassion when he donated the earnings from the victory to the victims of the 2008 Eastern Iowa floods.

He said he loved the character of the track. Wheldon said it was "great" to run, and an oval he enjoyed.

"This is a bullring," Wheldon said. "This track has everything. It's tight. It's fast. To consider we get around this place in just under 18 seconds is phenomenal."

The track had a similar affection for Wheldon, and released a statement about the tragedy late Sunday.

"Iowa Speedway is deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway," Iowa Speedway officials said in a news release. "With Dan Weldon's passing, racing lost a wonderful person, courageous driver and friend. He will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dan's family, friends and the IndyCar community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Wheldon was phenomenal behind the wheel and even better as a human being, demonstrating a caring, fun-loving and charismatic personality. Auto racing suffered a tremendous loss Sunday.