Dan Wheldon

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Dan Wheldon
« on: May 31, 2011, 09:11:51 PM »
The Indianapolis 500 was Dan Wheldon's first race of the season. And if nothing changes with his contract status, it could be his last.

Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday when rookie JR Hildebrand crashed while entering the final turn of the final lap, signed a one-race deal -- the Indy 500 -- with Bryan Herta Autosport. Since it was a one-race deal, Wheldon's now a free agent.

"It was one of those offseasons where I did believe that I was going to get a full-time ride," Wheldon, the 2005 Izod IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion, said after winning the 500 on Sunday. "I had that confidence. But, you know, come the end of January, things hadn't panned out as I expected. "

Wheldon and Herta were teammates at what's now Andretti Autosport, and after Herta offered his car to Wheldon for the 500, Wheldon accepted. But Herta wasn't planning on running any other races in 2011, and it's far from a guarantee that his team will be on the grid in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 11 — with or without Wheldon.

Oddly, Wheldon was in Texas on Tuesday promoting a race in which he isn't even scheduled to participate.

While it may seem bizarre on the surface that a former champion like Wheldon had a hard time finding a ride for 2011, sponsorship and competitive teams are at a premium in the IndyCar Series. 2004 Series champion Tony Kanaan, who was also teammates with Herta and Wheldon at Andretti, spent much of the offseason in limbo as well, securing a full-time ride with KV Racing just before the season began.

After leaving Andretti Autosport, Wheldon joined Target Chip Ganassi, then spent 2009 and 2010 with Panther Racing until he and Panther parted unceremoniously at the end of the 2010 season.

Wheldon's replacement at Panther? Hildebrand.

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Re: Dan Wheldon
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2011, 09:12:27 PM »
Not to worry folks, someone will put the Indy 500 champ in a car! Matter of fact, given Hidebrand's last turn screw up that lost the race for the team, Weldon may get his ride back. Weldon is one of the top 10 IRL drivers, and, with the Indy 500 win, he'll get a ride. Here's a thought, since Go Daddy is sponsoring DP, she might go ahead and make the jump to the hillbilly rodeo and let Weldon have to endure the stupidity and arrogance of the Andretti Autosport, by taking that ride. After all, it doesn't seem to be a great IRL for DP, the 500 is over and there's no chance she could win the championship, so why not do the switch now. She needs the seat time to get ready for the Sprint Cup ride she will be in next year with Hendrick Steward Haas Racing. Go Daddy will be delighted to be the sponsor of the Indy 500 winner.

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Re: Dan Wheldon
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2011, 09:12:46 PM »
People always complain about Rich people yet they are no different then you. The only difference is they use their brains and know that you do not get ahead in life making your bosses rich. Start a company or business and make your money work for you instead of slaving away. Making money isn't hard it's all in your mind. The easy way out is to just blame rich people for all lifes problems. When in reality there is enough money for everyone to be rich.