Dan Wheldon will be remembered as much more than just a supremely talented racing driver. The 33 year old Englishman endeared himself to colleagues, fans and rivals alike with his amiable personality and positive outlook on life. When he worked as a commentator he proved himself to be just as articulate behind a microphone as behind the wheel of a racing car. The motor racing world has lost one of its best loved drivers and one of the greatest ambassadors the sport has seen in recent times.
Dan Wheldon, Indycar and Indianapolis 500 Champion
Wheldon arrived in the USA as another refugee from the European racing scene. After a sterling early few years in karts and single-seaters he recognised that his future lay stateside rather than in the cutthroat and political world of Formula 1.
Over the next few seasons Wheldon established himself as one of the very best Indycar drivers, claiming Rookie of the Year honours in 2003 and the title itself in 2005. That year also saw Wheldon score his maiden Indianapolis 500 victory.
Despite being one of the most successful and well paid racing drivers on the US racing scene Wheldon remained delightfully unaffected by fame. He adored his fans, happily spending hours signing pictures and chatting. His easy manner with children and adults alike meant he was always a favourite at Indycar autograph sessions.
The Legacy of Dan Wheldon
Few drivers have left a legacy as impressive as Wheldon. He was heavily involved in the development of a new and safer Indycar design. The new car will make its debut at the first race of the 2012 Indycar season and the poignancy of the moment will be lost on no-one in the series. Chassis manufacturer Dallara have announced that the car will be named in honour of Dan Wheldon.
One of Wheldon's other great passions was his relationship with the US military. When he drove the National Guard car Wheldon frequently visited some of the most severely injured service personnel in hospital. In addition he agreed to wear special in-ear technology while racing which was used to gather vital information about how the human brain reacted under certain forces. This research has resulted in changes to the way injured service personnel are treated.
While TV news channels show seemingly endless replays of the accident which claimed his life those who knew Dan Wheldon prefer to remember him in other ways. The guy who always found time to speak with fans. The guy with the broad smile who was humbly grateful for the lifestyle he led. The loving husband and proud father who was inseparable from his wife Susie and two sons. The guy who - after winning a race in Iowa in 2008 - donated all of his winnings to a flood relief charity.
In the weeks to come Indycar racing looks set for a tough period of analysis. Doubtlessly the wisdom of racing 34 single-seaters on a relatively short, high banked oval will be questioned. So too will the idea of allowing a driver to start from the back in a bid to win the race and claim a huge reward.
Some newspapers have taken the line that Wheldon was gambling with his life in pursuit of money. For those who followed his career such allegations are both hurtful and based on nothing more than ignorance. He was one of the most accomplished and responsible drivers on the track. Financially, he was already set for life. Anyone who saw him and his family around the race paddocks would realise this was not a man with a death wish.
In time the arguments and recriminations will resolve themselves. For the moment there is only the overwhelming sadness which envelops the motor racing world. Sport has lost a truly great champion. Wheldon's family have lost a son, brother, husband and father.
Kevin Guthrie - Kevin is based in Fife, Scotland, where he works as a music teacher, professional drummer and freelance writer. At an early age he ...
