IndyCar Racing
Dan Wheldon 2008 Fast Fun Facts
Did you know...? Dan Wheldon presently owns at least 300 pairs of shoes.
Did you know...? Dan Wheldon is a self-proclaimed neat freak.
Did you know...? Dan Wheldon was the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series titles in the same season, and has won championships in nearly every form of racing since he began racing go-karts at 5 years old.
Did you know...? Dan Wheldon has won Rookie of the Year honors in every major series he has competed in since coming to the US in 1999.
Did you know...? Dan Wheldon became the first driver to consecutively win three major North America racing titles by following up his 2005 Indianapolis 500 victory and IRL IndyCar Series Championship with the Rolex 24 At Daytona. He is also the eighth driver to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Favorite new technological gizmo: iPhone
Coolest new acquisition: Honda jet skis (Turbo)
Secret obsession: Shopping!
Can't stand… Dishonestly and superficial people
Really enjoys… hanging out with friends, going to the beach and racing of course. I am happiest in my race car
I'd be lost without my… mobile phone
I'm inspired by… Family; people who achieve success from hard work
What is the oldest/most valuable thing you own? 2005 Indianapolis 500 Helmet; my mini Borg Warner trophy
First car ever owned: Vauxhall Corsa
My street car is… The new Acura TL Type S
Car you don't own but want to: Enzo Ferrari
First job: Stacking shelves at the supermarket
Worst job: Stacking shelves at the supermarket
If I weren't a race car driver I'd be… I'd be involved in motor racing in the different form
You're on Death Row, down to your last meal, what is it? Chicken breast, penne pasta with pesto sauce or Indian curry
Favorite item to buy at Target: DVDs
Favorite food: Italian and Indian
Fantasy dinner guest: Ayrton Senna
Favorite sport to watch: Football (American)
Guilty pleasure: Shopping and shoes, and I'm into all the latest technological gizmos
Personal motto… "You get the same out of life as what you put in"
Favorite place to hang out: the beach
Favorite vacation spot: The Maldives
Favorite book: "It's Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong
Favorite DVDs: "Blood Diamond"
Favorite musical artist / album/ song: Timbaland
Favorite TV show: "Entourage"
Age I first knew I wanted to be a race car driver: Ever since I can remember
When I retire from racing I plan to…. Enjoy the time being at home
If I could race against any driver from any era on any track… who and where? Senna at Monaco
Workout regimen consists of: Running/functional fitness
Personal strengths/weaknesses as a driver: I'm a perfectionist, I have speed, I have the ability to make a race car fast. I am impatient, I can be aggressive
Nicknames: DW, D-Dub, Thunda
Best friend around the IndyCar paddock: Susie Behm
Pre-race ritual: I tap the car on the nose three times and getting in on the non-gear stick side.
Hardest thing about being an IndyCar driver: Losing
Best thing about being an IndyCar driver: Competing and winning the Indy 500
If I made the IndyCar rules, I'd change these three things…. Lots of open testing, extending the schedule, and no amendments to rule book during the season; no
changing the rules
"I am Indy" because… Of what I bring to the Series, both on and off the track
What makes the IndyCar Series great? The close competition
What the Indy 500 means to me: In one word: EVERYTHING!!!
Personal charities: Vincent Children's Hospital and Target House
Common misconception about race car drivers: They speed on the regular roads
Advice to up-and-coming race car drivers: Never give up!
Favorite racetracks on the IndyCar circuit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Memorable moments in my career: Indianapolis 500 win and 2005 IndyCar Championship
Memorable moments of 2007: Wins at Homestead and Kansas
Most embarrassing moments: Overshooting my pitbox in Kentucky while leading the race in 2006
Things I'd like to do in 2008: Repeat Championship and a second Indy 500 victory