St. Pete to Host Hometown Victory Party for Indy 500 Winner Dan Wheldon

Race fans are invited to a free victory party Tuesday, June 7, to welcome Dan Wheldon home to St. Petersburg after his win in the 2011 Indianapolis 500. The rally will begin at 5 p.m. at Jannus Live, 16 Second St. N., in downtown St. Petersburg.

At the Indy 500, Wheldon won in 2005, and was first runner-up in 2009 and 2010. This year, in second place with just meters to go, he inherited the lead following J.R. Hildebrand's wreck on the final turn to win the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" upon its 100th anniversary.

The "Dan Wheldon Indy 500 Victory Party - A Hometown Celebration" will be hosted by the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Jannus Live and the City of St. Petersburg.

• It will include a proclamation and presentation to Wheldon at 5:30 p.m. by St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and members of City Council.

• Bright House Sports Anchor Rock Riley will moderate an onstage interview with Wheldon.
• There will be live music by the Jeremy Thomas Band.

The event is free, although donations will be accepted and made in Wheldon's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.