Remembering an Indiana Sports Icon, Two-Time Indy 500 Winner

A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus on the death of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon from injuries suffered in the Las Vegas Indy 300 on Sunday, Oct. 16 during the IZOD INDYCAR World Championships Presented By Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

“We are incredibly saddened at the passing of Dan Wheldon. He was a great champion of the Indianapolis 500 and a wonderful ambassador for the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and all of motorsports. Most importantly, he was a fantastic husband, father and man – a good friend to so many in this sport. His memory will live forever at the Speedway, both through the magnitude of his accomplishments on the track and his magnetism off the track. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans.”

Wheldon, 33, won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2005 and 2011.

The Indy Star’s Bob Kravitz also offered a column on Wheldon’s passing.

UDPATE: Much attention has been paid in Indianapolis to possibly renaming Georgia Street before the Super Bowl. Do you think the street should now be named "Dan Wheldon Way?" Vote on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/indianachamber.