Dan Wheldon - Someone to watch over them

I am typing this on the 26th May 2012 which for many is probably just the start of a sunshine and BBQ filled weekend but in the world of the petrol head (Myself included) it is the start of a weekend of motor sport which feature 2 of the most highly anticipated and prestigious races on the motor sport calendar; Monaco F1 Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. While the Monaco Grand Prix has always had a huge following for being the jewel in the F1 crown. Indianapolis 500 is only just getting the name it truly deserves in the UK. While Indy car is hugely popular in America, we have only been able to watch the races in the past few years as Sky sports expanded their channel portfolio.

The Indianapolis 500 which is often billed as "the Greatest spectacle in racing" consists of 200 laps of a 2.5mile oval circuit with a grid of 33 racers from Indycar and other series of open cockpit and open wheel racing.

In recent years the boys flying the flag for us have been holding their own against the Americans. Dario Franchitti is the reigning 4 time IndyCar series champion and 2 times Indy 500 winner who doesn't show any signs of stopping any time soon (At the time of publishing this blog, Franchitti had set the fastest time in final practice for the 2012 Indy 500) 

Darrio Franchitti and Dan Wheldon

Dan Wheldon was another one of our home stars who had made a hugely successful name for himself over the pond and had become one of most popular drivers in the series. This time last year he had just notched up his 2nd Indy 500 win and although he was without a full time drive he acted as a test driver for the sport working to develop the 2012 season chassis and car to improve safety.  He continued to be a constant part of the paddock ready to take his place in the car when ever needed. That opportunity came in Las Vegas last October when he was set a challenge of getting from the back of the grid to take the flag to win a $5 Million prize to be shared with a ticket holder of his choice. Concern had been raised the days before the race over both the reliability of the 1.5mile long track for such a large field and also the incentive of the prize money of which Wheldon was the only one to accept. 

The sport was already in a state of celebration after Sebastian Vettel had secured his 2nd world title earlier that day in Japan. So the IndyCar finale promised another title crowning for Dario Franchitti or Will Power. As the race started Dan made his way through the field of 34 in a desperate bid to win the $5 million prize. Unfortunately Tragedy struck on lap 11 when a crash occurred which spiralled out of control and ended up taking out half of the 34 field in the chaos. Unfortunately Dan had been caught up in the accident and was catapulted in to the fencing. He was airlifted to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. After a full post mortem, it was found that the cause of death was blunt trauma to the head. 

Dan left behind a loving wife and 2 young sons. 

Dan, his wife sussie and sons, Oliver and Sebastian at the 2011 Indy 500

As a long time fan of numerous forms of motorsport and also having the honour of seeing Dan at the Goodwood festival only in the July, his death hit very hard for not only me but many friends. It acted as a warning to us that motorsport will always be dangerous -  These things still can happen and  more than likely always will while the sport continues to aims for higher speeds, slicker aerodynamics and faster tracks without continuous development of new safety measures

The purpose of this blog entry isn't to upset. It is a post of remembrance to Dan on what was sure to be one of his favourite weekends of the racing year. It is a celebration of a born racer who was one of the lucky ones who got to leave this world doing something he was born to do.  Not many of us will get that privilege but Dan was one of the special ones. 

From reading numerous reports, Dan's presence is being felt at the Indianapolis speed way in very special ways. Earlier this year it was announced that a photo of Dan would be printed on every admission ticket to the race day event and each visitor would be given a pair of white sunglasses to celebrate Dan's unique style. Dan is in fact smiling down on everyone in attendance at the brickyard, on entry in the brickyard circuit his image adorns a huge banner, welcoming the visitors in a way only Dan could with that beautiful smile of his. 

A part of Dan will be with everyone one of the drivers at the starting grid tomorrow as it will be for every race in the series. The work he did in 2011 developing this years car has all come together in the form of the DW12 Dallara chassis. A continuing memorial of Dan to show he is still very much at the centre of the sport.

As the race gets ever closer, I as one of the millions of other fans who still can't quite believe that he's gone. I like to think that Dan will be smiling down on all the drivers tomorrow, cheering them on and keeping them safe. At an event that he loved so much and made his mark upon, how could he not? 

Enjoy the race Dan!