SUSIE WHELDON, widow of the late IndyCar racer, DAN WHELDON, received his 2011 Indianapolis 500 Championship ring. It was presented by JEFF BELKIUS, Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation and KEN KELTNER of Herff Jones, designer of the 14 karat gold, one carat diamond ring. Also present during the ceremony was MARY HUHLMAN GEORGE, other George family members, and Wheldon’s two young children.
Wheldon thanked everyone, and there were no interviews or questions allowed.
She said “I just want to take a moment to thank everybody for the outpouring of love and support over the past several months for me and my family. Everyone from Indianapolis, around the country and the world, my racing family and Dan’s fans. It has been so comforting to have the support of so many during such a difficult time.
“I am honored to be here to be here to accept this Champion of Champions ring on behalf of my husband. Dan loved the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and what it meant to win here, and I am proud to be here to represent him as a two-time winner. I’m proud to be here with my children, Sebastian and Oliver, to celebrate their father’s life and legacy and him as a great champion and ambassador of the Indianapolis 500. Thank you again for all of your love and support.”
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Dan Wheldon’s race-winning car has been on display since Wednesday in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, and has been on display this week. Co-Team owner, BRYAN HERTA, will drive the car for a lap of honor during pre-race ceremonies Sunday.
All thirty-three IndyCars will bear a sticker celebrating Wheldon’s career.
The fans can honor Wheldon also. All will be given white cardboard sunglasses to wear, reminiscent of Wheldon’s favorite fashion accessory. All are encouraged to wear them on the parade lap, Lap 26 and Lap 98, in honor of the numbers of his two Indy 500 winning race cars.