Sports
Video: Dan is the Man! St. Pete Celebrates Indy 500 Champ
British-born racer, on stage with wife and young son, calls his adopted hometown 'paradise.' He tells the crowd of adoring fans: 'Thank you for making this feel like home.'
ST. PETERSBURG - Dan Wheldon wasn’t able to drive in his hometown race, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, this year because he did not have a car sponsor until a couple of weeks ago.
When he finally did gain sponsorship, from Bryan Herta Autosports, he made it count by winning his second Indy 500 in dramatic fashion, snatching victory
on the final lap, after J.R. Hildebrand crashed in the final turn.
Quick coordination, confidence and not crushing under pressure were just some of the skills Wheldon exhibited in that dramatic race.
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On Tuesday, city and race officials honored the champion with a victory party at Jannus Live, where Wheldon was presented with gifts, accolades and a proclamation declaring June 7, 2011 as Dan Wheldon Day.
“Being born and raised in England…it’s bleak, it’s dreary. The community certainly don’t embrace me like you guys,” Wheldon told the assembled crowd, which packed the venue for the free event. “This is paradise for me, this is absolute paradise.”
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Before the on stage ceremony began, St. Pete Mayor Bill Foster was effusive in his praise of the affable Englishman.
“He couldn’t be in his own hometown race because he didn’t have a ride. He teams up with Bryan Herta, has one car…one shot to win a race this year, and it’s the biggest race in the entire world,” Foster said.
“That shows his talent, that this kid can drive anything and win.”
Wheldon stormed the racing world in 2005, the same year he moved to the Old Northeast section of town.
The then 26-year-old won the Honda Grand Prix, the Indy 500 and four other races en route to winning the Indy Car Championship.
But after failing to win a race in 2010 for his Panther Racing team, Wheldon was dropped in favor of a new hot, young driver – J.R. Hildebrand.
In addition to the official proclamation, which was presented by City Councilor Bill Dudley, Wheldon also received a framed photo of his 2005 victory by Honda Grand Prix of St. Pete VP Tim Ramsberger, and a Salvador Dali picture from Jerry Kendall of the Dali Museum Board of Trustees.
After the presentations, Foster, Wheldon and emcee Rock Riley of Bright House Sports Network engaged in a bit of Indy 500 tradition – they all enjoyed a milk toast.
By winning the 500 again this year - on the 100th anniversary of the iconic event - Wheldon became just the seventh driver to win the race more than once.
Obviously overwhelmed and overjoyed the bounty of successes in his life – wife, Susie, recently gave birth to the couple’s second child - Wheldon wrapped up the party with a heartfelt speech to his hometown fans.
“Thank you for making this feel like home. It is home, and we look forward to making this home for a long, long time.”
