I know I’m not the first to say it, and I won’t be the last: IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500 misses Dan Wheldon.
I miss Dan Wheldon.
He was an inspiring driver that you couldn’t help but get behind. He easily brought energy and humor to every interview. No matter where he was, it wasn’t difficult to pick his bright-white smile out of a crowd.
I remember standing in his garage for a final interview before last year’s race — his last Indianapolis 500. Yes, he was smiling, but was primarily excited for the race. He picked up a last-minute ride with his friend Bryan Herta and later that afternoon, his car was first to cross the yard of bricks.
So many stories, so many interviews. And I was only around him for two Indianapolis 500s.
After his victory lane celebration, he was jumping for joy, throwing hats into the crowd and signing autographs for everyone. He took as long as he wanted with every television interview, recognizing that he was very fortunate to once again win ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ and he would make the moment, the day, last.
Wheldon had his way with words, keeping us reporters engaged and on our toes during interviews. I never saw him decline an interview, autograph or picture. He was a guy’s guy. And a family man. Sadly, he left behind two very young kids in his tragic crash during the last race of the 2011 IndyCar season.
My last memory of Wheldon will be this special picture, of Dan posing with the Borg-Warner Trophy alongside his wife and children.
Dan, it was a joy to cover you for two races and I know you’ll be looking down on today’s race, smiling, as always.