Dan Wheldon: A Tribute (BSGN)

Yesterday afternoon, I watched with many of you what promised to be an outstanding open-wheel season finale at Las Vegas. Wearing my Will Power shirt, a can of my favorite soda in hand, I sat with my brother at my family's house, watching in awe as the stars of the IZOD IndyCar Series flew three and four-wide around the 1.5-mile track. Will was falling back, but it was still early. Plenty of racing to go. And when Tagliani and Briscoe touched wheels, then continued on, the excitement was unreal.

Dad told us that even the guys on the financial channel had been discussing Dan Wheldon's $5 million challenge, so we were both watching that 77 closely along with the ESPN crew. My brother wasn't much of a fan of his, but seeing him climb through the field early on, he told me he'd changed his mind. On Lap 10, we were just remarking on Wheldon's rally - ten spots gained in as many laps - when I noticed that puff of smoke from the car's onboard. I barely got out a word before the second was choked back by the sight of what ensued.

I was able to keep it together fairly well - even, somehow, during the announcement - until the bagpipes played during those final five parade laps.

Late last night, still wearing the shirt, I made this video.

MUSIC: "John Rescued / Resolution" (World Trade Center OST) by Craig Armstrong and Catherine O'Halloran

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• dan
• wheldon
• 2011
• izod
• indycar
• series
• las
• vegas
• 2005
• champion
• two
• indy
• indianapolis
• 500
• winner
• tribute
• bsgn
• brock
• beard

[Walldude82]

This was awesome. What could've made it better was if you put Marty Reid's quote in at the end.

[nadeau1064]

@Walldude82 To be honest, I didn't think of adding that. I was really worried about adding too much, which is also why I didn't narrate in it. But, yes, Reid's quote was perhaps the most emotional moment of that broadcast; it's certainly worth at least a mention.

[AMFForumvideo]

Awesome tribute video. may he R.I.P .

[racerdsm14391V2]

This is an awesome tribute video for him.

[legonascar88fan]

How fitting, this video now has 98 likes.... R.I.P

[MegaJ611]

oh sorry i never watch muchindy car races lol XD

[JSRacing61]

R.I.P Dan, It's been one month since he passed but it seems like it just happened yesterday, R.I.P Dan

[DFDSFUEIFH]

@MegaJ611 Uh, he DID win a championship, in 2005! LOL. I remember that season very well. LOL.

[MegaJ611]

R.I.P Dan Wheldon. You have not won a championship, but you will be an indy car champion in our hearts. May god bless you in heaven, and may god speed to Wheldon. :.(

[NASCARFreak1699]

@browningmaxus8833 when I heard amazing grace as they did the tribute laps I started to cry it is so sad

[NASCARFreak1699]

Rest in peace dan wheldon

[NASCARFreak1699]

RIP Dan Wheldon my favorite Indy car series driver 

[NYMFan314129]

@NYMFan314129 i mean i will remember you

[NYMFan314129]

the only thing that would have made this better would have been Sarah McLaclins Angels as the song but other then that this was very touching