ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Of all the indelible moments from Dan Wheldon’s public memorial service — fellow IndyCar drivers Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan serving as pallbearers, his father carrying his racing helmet and country music star Wynonna Judd singing two gripping songs — the heart- wrenching letter from his wife cut deepest.
Susie Wheldon’s letter to Dan left few eyes dry in the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg.
Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, died last Sunday in IndyCar’s season finale at Las Vegas. He was remembered Saturday not only as a champion but as a devoted husband, caring father, loyal friend and beloved son.
Hundreds said goodbye to the 33-year-old Englishman-turned- Floridian during a service that included a eulogy by the best man at his wedding, Judd’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” alongside a church choir, and letters by his wife and sister that offered a detailed portrait of the popular, fun-loving and always tidy driver.
“My sweet Dan, my whole body is aching, down to the deepest part of my soul,” Susie wrote in a letter read by family friend Michael Johnson. “I keep thinking this is a bad dream.”
Susie wrote about how scared she is that she’s going to forget things, how everything is moving so quickly and that she has to remember to breathe.
“My heart is scattered in a million pieces,” she wrote. “I just want to wake up and hear your reassuring voice.”
Wheldon left behind two young sons, 2-year-old Sebastian and 7-month-old Oliver. They were on hand for the service. Close friends and family members left the church and rode to the cemetery. Mourners filled the church, then watched Franchitti, Dixon, Kanaan and Wheldon’s three brothers load the casket. Some waved goodbye as the caravan drove away.
Hendrick drivers in front row
TALLADEGA, Ala. — Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson gave Hendrick Motorsports a sweep of the front row for today’s Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway.
Martin posted a lap at 181.367 mph in qualifying. Johnson was second at 181.360 to give the Chevrolets from Hendrick the first two starting spots in today’s race. It’s the third time this season Hendrick cars have swept the front row for a superspeedway event.
Clint Bowyer qualified third and was followed by Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne and Hendrick drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Footnote.
Mike Wallace proved to be a suitable substitute for Elliott Sadler at Talladega Superspeedway, racing to his first Truck Series victory since 2000.
