Remembering DW

I started this blog exactly one year ago, and I was very strategic in my date selection. I chose October 16 as my launch date because it marked the anniversary of the day we lost Dan Wheldon, and that was also the date I realized how passionate I am about IndyCar.

I’m not ashamed to admit I cried like a baby when Dan passed, and that reaction surprised me. I don’t think I get emotionally invested in professional sports or athletes, and even now, I don’t think I would have the same reaction if something unexpected and tragic were to happen to someone from my favorite team. Two years ago, I was just starting to get back into IndyCar racing as a regular follower. Of course I knew who Dan Wheldon was and understood some of his accomplishments, but because I’d been away from the sport for so long (mainly because of work commitments and conflicts; I still remained a casual fan), I didn’t have a chance to feel a strong connection to him as many fans did (and do). To me, he was an Indy 500 champion and an incredibly charismatic, enjoyable television commentator. I loved listening to his enthusiastic analysis of the races, and though Townsend Bell, Leigh Diffey, and others do a good job as well, I still think he was the best analyst to ever sit in the NBC Sports Network (then Versus) booth. I literally tuned into the races because I wanted to hear what he had to say.

After that fatal accident in Las Vegas, I could not stop reading articles about Dan and about IndyCar. I had an insatiable hunger for IndyCar news, and that continues to this day. I also started journaling about the tragedy and about IndyCar racing in general. Last year, as I realized my passion was unwavering and that I enjoyed writing about it, I also realized I had no one else with whom I could share these feelings. Thus, this blog was born.

I had no idea that starting this blog would introduce me to a whole community of IndyCar fans and fellow bloggers. I had no idea that so many people shared my passion. But I am so grateful for both of these things, and in a way, I suppose I have Dan to thank for them. Were it not for his energetic commentary during the races, I would not have continued to renew my interest in IndyCar racing. And had I not been so affected by his passing, I don’t think I would have discovered this passion, nor even considered starting a blog about it.

Dan’s legacy lives on. When Helio won the first race following Dan’s death, in Dan’s adopted hometown of St. Petersburg, and he climbed the fence at Dan Wheldon Way, it was one of the most moving, memorable images I’ve ever seen. I tear up just thinking about it. This year, James Hinchcliffe, who took over Dan’s GoDaddy ride, won his first IndyCar race at St. Petersburg. And the DW12, which Dan helped test and develop, likely saved Dario Franchitti’s life in Houston just a short time ago. His spirit is everywhere, and I’m glad we continue to remember and celebrate his life.

So I will remember Dan on this day and every time I scour the Internet for an article about IndyCar (which is quite often!). I know the rest of the IndyCar community mourns and remembers him as well.