Danica Patrick and GoDaddy.com will honour the memory of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, through a memorial paint scheme on the No. 7 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge for the NASCAR Nationwide Series this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The No. 7 hood will showcase Wheldon's "Lionheart" logo in bold letters across a black hood. Underscoring the black letters are the words "Dan Wheldon: 1978–2011". DanWheldonMemorial.com will also be featured on the TV panel of the No. 7.
Throughout the Texas race weekend, Danica Patrick will wear a special tribute helmet in remembrance of her friend Dan Wheldon. The race-used helmet will be auctioned off via the Dan Wheldon Memorial auction in the coming weeks. Visit www.DanWheldonMemorial.com for more information.
"I am humbled and proud to be wearing a special paint-out of my helmet in honour of Dan this weekend at Texas. This helmet will be auctioned off after the race with all proceeds, along with my prize money from this race, going to the Dan Wheldon Foundation. Dan was a good friend, and I will miss his great personality and positive attitude. I hope everyone will join me in supporting Susie and their two young boys at DanWheldonMemorial."
Wheldon lost his life in a 15-car crash during the final race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 16. INDYCAR’s investigation of the accident is ongoing.
INDYCAR held a public memorial for Wheldon on October 23 in Indianapolis. The 2012 IndyCar, built by Dallara and tested by Wheldon in August and September, has been officially renamed the DW12 in honour of Wheldon’s memory and for the role he played in its development.
Wheldon is survived by his wife Susie and their two sons, Sebastian and Oliver.
