Dan Wheldon on the Diversity of His Career

This video was shot on 10/15/11 just a day before Dan Wheldon died in the IZOD IndyCar World Championships.

Dan Wheldon is quite the renaissance man as Pat Mauro pointed out. He's a successful IndyCar driver - having won the Indianapolis 500, did color commentary for Versus, and was the host for "IndyCar Live and Global," which was a chat with IndyCar fans all around the world made possible by Ortsbo, a real-time chat translator that instantly translates text chat in 53 different languages. Contenders for the championship title, Will Power and Dario Franchitti, were also there. In addition, Ortsbo is the sponsor of this very blog, Social Racing Grid.

Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, and Will Power at Ortsbo's "IndyCar Live and Global!" Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, and Will Power at Ortsbo's "IndyCar Live and Global!"

While all of these side projects are fun, Wheldon admits that what he really wants to do is be a full-time racer in 2012. It's what he's been doing for his entire life, having started racing when he was only six years old.

If Wheldon does come back as a full-time IndyCar driver, he may have a leg up on the competition as he's already been testing the new cars for 2012.

Wheldon is starting at the back of the grid at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in an effort to win a grand prize of $5 million should he win the race. But he doesn't get to keep all the money. In fact, he has to split it with a lucky fan. Pat Mauro asked Wheldon if he's going to be annoyed to give up half the money if he wins. I mean, he did do all the work.

Wheldon laughed and admitted that $2.5 million is still a hell of a lot of money. He actually did get a chance to meet the fan that would get dibs on half that money.

"She said she would put me in a headlock if I doesn't win," Wheldon laughed.

Wheldon is pretty much grateful for everything. For the potential to win the money, the fans of IndyCar, and getting some press in the mainstream media.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• IndyCar
• Dan Wheldon
• Ortsbo

[Greenjumper25]

I was there Dan, the moment they announced your passing, it was as if my heart fell from my chest. You were my hero and always will be. I think I speak for myself and all of IZOD when I say, we all love you and miss you very much. Travel well my friend.

[rweghg3]

That track needed revisions to host an indycar race...Greed & stupidity is the cause of this tragedy & it cost a great man who was also very nice guy his life..RIP DAN WHELDON..You will be missed

[Arrazi7Hasekura]

Iori said that he's such a good man and familiar person.

RIP/DEP Dan Wheldon

[pennst24]

Well the 2012 car will definitely be shaped around him now. :(

[axion419]

@monsterjamfan10 something to the effect of "thumbs up if you wish the best of luck to his family", it was a completely self serving comment but seeing as it has been removed, it shows that he/she has a conscious

[monsterjamfan10]

@axion419 what did she say

[QPRLAD86]

So sad I have not much clue on what Indycar is but he had something that was very clear a passion for the sport he was doing. RIP.

[mickyhunt]

this one really made my heart sank, very very sad video.

[stknightisawesome]

RIP

[dsdchoppers]

RIP Dan Wheldon and prayers to his wife and sons.

[odumbo1]

HE HAD A DREAM