-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.
