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Birthdate: June 22, 1978 |
Birthplace: Emberton, England |
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Resides: Indianapolis, IN |
Height/Weight: 5'10", 144 lbs. |
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Personal: Single |
Interests: Running, fitness training, jet skiing |
After serving as test and development driver for Andretti Green Racing in the off-season, Dan Wheldon will complete a meteoric rise through the open wheel racing ranks when he makes his Indianapolis 500 debut this year. At Indy, Wheldon will drive a fourth Honda-powered entry for Andretti Green, then will go on to complete the IndyCar season in his Klein Tools-sponsored Honda Dallara.
English native Wheldon came to the United States in 1999 to take part in the US FF2000 Championship where he made an immediate impact, winning the championship while driving for Primus Racing. In his rookie season in this very competitive series, Wheldon scored six race wins, five pole positions and also was named series "Road to Indy" winner for his oval track performances.
Moving up to Atlantic competition in 2000, Wheldon won his debut race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and went on to finish second in the championship. Another move up, to Indy Lights, in 2001 with PacWest Racing, again saw Wheldon finish as championship runner-up and claim series rookie honors.
Last year, Wheldon was employed as a test driver for IRL championship winning Panther Racing, and competed in a pair of late season races for the team. He made an impressive debut, qualifying on the fourth row and finishing 10th at Chicagoland, then running 15th at the season finale in Texas.
Dan Wheldon Racing Record
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Year |
Series |
Notes & Highlights |
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2002 |
IRL |
Tested for Panther Racing , made his IRL race debut at Chicagoland, starting 7th and finishing 10th. Also finished 15th at Texas Speedway. |
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2001 |
Indy Lights |
Second in the championship and series "Rookie of the Year" with PacWest Racing, two race victories and seven podium finishes. |
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2000 |
Atlantic |
Second in the championship with two race wins, series "Rookie of the Year" |
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1999 |
US FF2000 |
Won championship with six victories and 11 podium finishes, won series "Road to Indy" crown and "Rookie of the Year". |
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1997-98 |
Formula Ford |
Fourth in the 1997 British Formula Ford championship with three wins, another four victories in 1998, also finished second in the annual Formula Ford Festival world championship event at Brands Hatch. |
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1996 |
Vauxhall Jr. |
First year of car racing with three race wins and seven podium finishes. |