Indy Racing Experience Statement on the Passing of Dan Wheldon
October 17, 2011

The Indy Racing Experience family is deeply saddened by the loss of Dan Wheldon – a father, a husband, a talented driver with an engaging personality who became a part of our family more than five years ago.  Through our on-track and street-legal 2-seater programs, we first partnered with Dan during the Jim Beam “Road to Indy” tour in 2005 just prior to his first Indianapolis 500 victory.  Not only were we there as his racing career blossomed, but we also witnessed his relationship with his beloved Susie blossom as well.  A few years later, we became reacquainted with Dan when he was at Panther Racing and the National Guard was a sponsor of one of our 2-seaters.  Our goal has always been to provide each race fan with a memorable experience at the track, but when a fan gets to talk to an actual driver, pose with them for a picture, and get their autograph… that provides a very personal memory that one never forgets.  Dan Wheldon knew that.  He embraced that.  And he did that all the time.  May Susie, Oliver, and Sebastian be given the strength, may we strive to be half the ambassador our friend Dan was for this great sport, and may we never forget those cherished memories he provided us all.