A Tribute to Dan Wheldon

“…Sunny days seem to hurt the most. I wear the pain like a heavy coat. The only thing that gives me hope is I know I’ll see you again someday…”
-Kenny Chesney “Who You’d Be Today”

I will always remember the finish of the centennial running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2011. While most will remember JR Hildibrand’s hit in turn four, I will always remember who was able to capitalize on this young rookie’s mistake - Dan Wheldon. His second “500” win was a bit of an upset - no full-time ride, one-off with Bryan Herta Autosport. It was exciting. A special day that should be the story of the year with Dan as the lead character.

But less than five months later after that victory, we are being forced to deal with the fact that Dan will never again defend his win. I hope we never have to experience a day like yesterday again.

I admit that I wasn’t originally a fan of Dan’s. His attitude at times was a turn-off for me. But in recent years, I had become a fan. I found myself rooting for him along with my other favorite INDYCAR drivers. I was screaming and cheering when Dan crossed the finish line to win Indy in May.

I was in shock after the crash much like everyone else. Despite what some claim, things like this don’t frequently happen. Then I felt this sick feeling in my stomach. Something wasn’t right. I’d never felt this feeling after seeing a racing accident before and I never ever want to feel that feeling again.

I watched the aftermath unfold on television like so many others. I also was tweeting about what was going and reading the tweets of others. As time went on, I knew it was bad. The mood was somber. I could not shake off that sick feeling.

I knew before the official announcement - Dan was no longer with us. The faces of the drivers and crew members said it all. I struggled not to cry through the announcement and the five pace laps driven in honor of such a great champion. The emotion was unreal.

I am old enough to remember the death of Dale Earnhardt. It didn’t affect me, though, as much as Dan’s has. I’ve followed INDYCAR racing almost full-time since 2005 and have slowly drifted away from NASCAR. I watch but I don’t feel like I do when I watch INDYCAR. The fan base, I feel, is tighter than any motorsports fan base I have been a part of. Regardless of our opinions, we always share something special - our love for the sport. We know that every time these drivers strap into these cars that they may never climb back out.

I have seen Dan grow into a fine racer. He was a great ambassador and champion in this sport. But most of all, he was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and great friend to so many.

Some ask, “What now?” I believe that right now it is the time for us, INDYCAR drivers, team members, officials, and fans, to not only grieve but celebrate Dan’s life and the legacy he has left in this sport.

But soon it will be time to race again. And when these drivers race competitively again it will be in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dan’s adopted hometown. They will be racing an all-new Dallara chassis, the very same chassis that Dan had helped develop and test, that is said to protect these drivers.

I wish he was going to be on the starting grid with everyone else. But this part of me knows that Dan will be there in spirit and in the hearts of everyone.

Rest in peace Dan Wheldon. We will never forget you or any of your accomplishments. Heaven has gained another special (and fashionable) angel.

A Fan's Honest Take On Helio

Before I start, full disclosure – I am a Helio Castroneves fan. Not just a “watch the race and cheer for him” fan but a die-hard Helio fan. Not only do I cheer for him like crazy, but I own my share of Helio memorabilia – die casts, T-shirts, a hat, a wooden sign, a koozie, a pin, earrings, and a copy of Victory Road, his autobiography (if you haven’t read it, even if you’re not a fan, I highly recommend it). I even made a necklace with a “3” charm and three crossed checkered flag charms representing his three Indianapolis 500 victories that I wore until the catch broke and all four charms went missing. I’ve met Helio twice – in 2009 when he signed a sketch I had drawn of him (and he won later that night) and this year when he signed my copy of Victory Road. I still have the tapes featuring his 2009 victories at Indianapolis and TMS (and would’ve had last year’s if the package we had featured Versus).

But despite being the fan I am, I can see why his seat at Team Penske is in question at this moment in time. He hasn’t run well this year though he does have two podium finishes; he’s been involved in several incidents – many of which were his fault; he’s been outrun by both of his teammates, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power this season; he had a rough month of May at Indianapolis (though the whole Penske Team struggled throughout the month). He only just this week unleashed his anger and frustration with INDYCAR chief steward, Brian Barnhart, over the inconsistency of penalties handed down this year and is facing a fine for his comments on his Twitter page. Many have said Helio’s rough season has to do with a variety of things – he’s distracted by his legal issues, he became a father almost two years ago, he’s “starting on the downward spiral of his career,” he’s now in his mid-30’s and retirement is close, etc.

First of all, it’s true that Helio has been distracted by his legal issues. A civil suit is currently hanging over his head which includes the same charge as his criminal tax evasion case two years ago. He was acquitted then along with his sister and lawyer. The only difference between these two is that this time around only money, not his freedom, is at stake.

Since the arrival of Helio’s daughter, Mikaella, in December 2009, Helio has won three races, four if you think he should’ve won Edmonton last year (I do). But it’s been proven that fatherhood doesn’t always slow these racers down. This year’s Indy 500 winner, Dan Wheldon, is the father of two sons. Scott Dixon has two daughters and still gets the job done. Tony Kanaan has a young son and is slowly reviving his career with KV Racing. While it is true that this year’s most likely championship contenders Dario Franchitti and Will Power are both childless, these dads in the series don’t seem to let fatherhood keep them from outrunning these two from time to time.

As for Helio on the “downward spiral” of his career, I never realized that one bad season equaled the near-end of a racing career. Now if this had been going for awhile, I could see it. But it is known that even the greatest champions have had their “off” years like Helio has had this year. It is common and many bounce back. Some don’t but there are the ones who do.

And the one thing that has driven me bonkers about everything that has been said this year about Helio is that he’s “old and close to retiring.” Helio turned 36 in May. That same month, Dario turned 38. Tony turns 37 New Year’s Eve. Oriol Servia, who has run very well this year, is 37. Alex Tagliani will celebrate his 38th birthday next month. If Helio is “old and near retirement” then so are Dario, Tony, Oriol, and Alex.

Now for my take – I don’t see why people have judged Helio like they have this year. Some driver have had worse seasons but he, like another big star in INDYCAR, is put under a microscope largely because he is the second most recognized face in the series after Danica and will THE most recognized face after the season finale at Las Vegas when she departs for NASCAR. While I see his flaws and recognize that he has said and down some things that he shouldn’t have done, I feel that he will return to Penske next season and he will break out of his slump soon. He will be winning again. He will be contending for the championship. He will be competitive at Indianapolis next May. He will prove the doubters that he’s “washed-up” wrong.

And as a fan, I can’t wait to see it.