IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, left, hugs his friend Thomas "T.E" Fair McHale after Wheldon's second victory in the Indianapolis 500 in 2011. Wheldon died on October 16, 2011 in a fiery accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Her funeral was held on Saturday in St. Petersburg, FL.Thomas "T.E" McHale: Dan Wheldon was more than an excellent driver - was a heroMcHale said Wheldon treated all hospitality staff members as their peers; his death was tragic that he had been a genuine smile and shares its spirit with all those who wanted a part of it, McHale called Wheldon saysMcHale spirit "something much more valuable than an autograph or photo"Editor's Note: Thomas "T.E" McHale was a close friend of Dan Wheldon, who died Sunday in an accident of burning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He is the Manager of public relations for racing for American Honda and lives in Southern California.St. Petersburg, Florida (CNN) - I met Dan Wheldon in 2003, when it intervened in the cab of the vehicle Klein Tools/Jim Beam Indy at Andretti Green Racing, just before track racing of Twin Ring Motegi in eastern Japan of the third race of the season.
It was an arrogant, tiresome 23 years of age in those days, at a rapid pace and win in such a way that it did appear as a modern Dickens character brought to life.
"Young Wheldon," called him then.
He loved.
We started our Honda Racing career together. He was hired by the company at the same time dan was hired as test pilot for the development of Honda engine that would make his IndyCar debut during that season.
In a short time, he became one of the Favorites of Honda sons. In 2004, he became the first powered Honda driver to win an IndyCar event at the magnificent complex of Motegi. The course property of Honda had not seen one of their own cars take the flag frames in his signature event in six attempts futile.
Motegi won again in 2005 and then went on to win Indianapolis that year the 500 and the IndyCar, a feat that since Series Championship has not been matched.
After that there were many highlights: 16 IndyCar WINS in all, culminated with completely unlikely victory this year in the 500-mile Indianapolis centenary.
Services for Wheldon in Florida
That's what says the record book. Legacy of Dan documents in numbers. But does not come close to capture his legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.
The Dan that I knew that it was more than a runner. He was a friend. A husband. A father. A hero.
He liked shoes. He liked clocks. He liked the food my Chef on Earth, Tim Olszewski, prepared in almost every event of the IndyCar Series. (As soon as he was made single - Tim is an excellent cook).
Distinguish it Dan was his genuine interest in all the members of the hospitality staff. Tried them everything as their equals and as a result, were all remain equally shattered after the tragedy.
Around the track, everyone had its "Dan Wheldon's". He had a talent mysterious to connect quickly and personally to all the world knew - if high dollar sponsor or turn 3 grandstand measured-ite - and give each of them something much more valuable than an autograph or photo. I leave you with his kindness, his spirit.
He never refused a single application, if it was an appearance at a dealer of meetings, a walk-and-drive with media or a quick "Hello" to a group of guests on the ground.
In each case, brought a smile that was produced only in the most literal sense - its adjusted teeth after his ' 05 Championship were a constant source of amusement paddock - but genuine in every other way imaginable.
They allow you to.A friend of the IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon end
In a world where it is part of the competitive spirit to convey an impression of invulnerability to abhor, Dan was the exception. As a colleague told me the other day, "he allows."
My moment of Dan Wheldon took place after the 500-mile Indianapolis centenary this past may. After winning the prestigious race for the second time, give only had concluded a lush back festive victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He returned to the victory circle to start dance Hat - the relentless procession of PO ballcaps and photo, that, for understandable reasons, lasts approximately five times while in Indianapolis as in any other track on the circuit of the IndyCar Series.
Dan only intervened in the cabin and took the first hat in hand, when he looked to his left and saw me standing along the fence that divides the race car of the rabble.
She puts the hat on the nose of the car, was dropped, was walking by my side of the car and I grabbed. I barely remember what I said, but remember to listen to a strong joy from the gallery above us in victory circle. And I remember thinking, "it is pretty cool." "Some people I know are happy that I am receiving this time."
It was not until that separate us, and give resumed the ritual of hats, who was looking over me to see that I recognize no one-sided among those who had been doing the cheering. If it is true, or I will not continue in the belief that viewers were paying homage to the emotion of a moment between the winner of the 500-mile Indianapolis and some guy that none of them had ever known. And I flew away.
Before returning to his car, Daniel and I spent time crying in the arms of the other. We were crying tears of joy, feeling that all pain and all the hard work took it to arrive at that moment and celebrating all the promise of the future would be for him.
After last Sunday afternoon, I am not ashamed to admit it, I have cried many other weapons, as well as.
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