Dan Wheldon's Hometown Victory Party Is Happening Now

ST. PETERSBURG – Indy 500 fans are celebrating St. Pete resident Dan Wheldon's 2011 victory tonight with a hometown party at Jannus Live. There is music, a Who's Who List of St. Pete VIPs and a lot of food and beverages flowing.

A rally got under way at 5 p.m. at the Jannus Live courtyard, 16  Second St. N., in downtown St. Petersburg. Wheldon won the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," on its 100th anniversary, when he slipped into first place in the final moments of the race, after J.R. Hildebrand crashed his car on the final turn.

The "Dan Wheldon Indy500 Victory Party – A Hometown Celebration" is hosted by the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Jannus Live and the City of St. Petersburg. The event is free and open to the public. It includes:

• Proclamation and presentation to Dan Wheldon by St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and members of the City Council.
• Onstage interview with Wheldon. 
• Live music will follow with Jeremy Thomas Band.

Wheldon, 32, made his IndyCar racing debut in 2002. He won the 2005 Honda
Grand Prix of St. Petersburg the same year he made St. Petersburg his home.

IF YOU GO

Fans attending the event may park in the BayWalk parking garage, accessible
from Second Street North, between First and Second avenues North, about one-half block from Jannus Live. Parking at BayWalk is $1 per hour until 5 p.m., then  $1 for four hours after 5 p.m.