Who Is Dan Wheldon? Age, Biography and Wiki
Dan Wheldon was born on June 22, 1978, in Emberton, Buckinghamshire, England. He was a standout British racing driver who made a significant impact in the world of motorsport, particularly in IndyCar racing. Dan's career was highlighted by extraordinary achievements, including two Indianapolis 500 victories in 2005 and 2011. Tragically, he passed away on October 16, 2011, during a race in Las Vegas. In 2025, his legacy continues to inspire aspiring racers around the world, reminding fans of his incredible talent and dedication to the sport.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1978 |
| Age | 46 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country |
Popularity
Dan Wheldon's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dan Wheldon stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and weighed approximately 165 lbs (75 kg) during his racing career. His athletic build was indicative of a professional race car driver, allowing him the physical endurance needed for high-speed racing.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
At the time of his passing, Dan Wheldon was married to his wife, Susie Wheldon. The couple shared a loving relationship and had two sons, Oliver and Sebastian, reflecting a tight-knit family. Despite his tragic death, Dan's family continues to honor his memory. Information about any potential relationships or developments beyond 2011 are speculative; however, Susie often commemorates Dan's life and legacy through various social media platforms and events.
He was the son of plumber and domestic heat electrician Clive Wheldon and his wife Sue. Wheldon was of Irish descent. He had three younger brothers and a sister. Wheldon's family was connected to motorsport; his father had competed in karting from an early age and his mother acted as Clive's timekeeper.
He went to the Bedford School until he completed his GCSE examinations at the age of 16. Wheldon attained good reading grades and excelled in cross-country running, rugby and squash. He was also captain of the school cricket team.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Dan Wheldon's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. This wealth was accrued through his successful racing career, including sponsorships, endorsements, and winnings from various competitions. His salary varied based on contracts and race performances, but he was known for securing lucrative deals with leading racing teams. As of 2025, Dan Wheldon’s influence remains strong in motorsport, ensuring his financial legacy continues to resonate in the racing community.
After the season, Wheldon left Panther Racing because of a lack of sponsorship and the No. 4 car was driven by rookie J. R. Hildebrand. He filed a $383,400 lawsuit against Barnes in Marion County Superior Court on 18 August for late payment of his salary and of his share of earnings from his on-track achievements as well as taxation issues.
The two reached a settlement on 1 October. Wheldon did not have a full-time seat for the 2011 season, and he missed the season's first four races as he sought employment with another team to compete in the Indianapolis 500.
Talks with several teams, including with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner Robbie Buhl to share a car with Mike Conway fell through. He then spoke to his friend and former AGR teammate Bryan Herta who offered to assemble a car from his own low-budget operation, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA), for Wheldon and he agreed.
He drove a Dallara car from 2003 leased to Herta by BHA's technical partner Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Curb-Agajanian Motorsports. He qualified in sixth place; in the race, Wheldon was in second place on the final lap when Hildebrand crashed leaving turn four.
He took the lead to become the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 leading only the final lap.
Career, Business and Investments
Dan Wheldon's career in motorsport began in karting before he made the transition to open-wheel racing. After gaining recognition in Europe, he moved to the United States, where he quickly rose to prominence in the IndyCar Series. His remarkable driving skills and charisma made him a fan favorite, leading to multiple sponsorships. Off the track, Dan also engaged in various charitable efforts, particularly focusing on children's organizations, leaving a lasting impact beyond racing. His investments included opportunities related to motorsports, which have kept his legacy alive even posthumously.
At the suggestion of his former team principal and car manufacturer Ralph Firman Sr., he flew to the United States in January 1999 to test a Formula Ford 2000 car. Wheldon also observed an Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic test session for future preparation. His funding was provided by Jayhard/Primus Racing owner Jon Baytos and Van Diemen.
He competed in the U.S. F2000 National Championship in 1999 in Jayhard/Primus Racing's Van Diemen Ford RF99 car, achieving six wins and eleven top-ten finishes to become the first British and European series champion.
Wheldon's early performance was affected by jet lag from constant travel to the United Kingdom to visit his family and his desire to compete in Formula Three. He stopped doing so after about three months, when Baytos urged him to concentrate on racing.
Wheldon was named the series' Rookie of the Year, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2012 as a 1999 graduate.
Social Network
Dan Wheldon remains an eternal figure in the world of racing, with his social media presence mainly maintained by friends, family, and fans who share memories and tributes. His official Twitter account continues to inspire fans with quotes and anecdotes from his career. Additionally, his family's updates about events and charitable causes in his name can be found on Instagram and Facebook, connecting audiences to his enduring legacy.
He returned to Panther Racing for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, failing to win a race but taking a further four podium results during this period. Wheldon left the team at the conclusion of the season. He drove part-time for Bryan Herta Autosport and later Sam Schmidt Motorsports in the 2011 season.
He won his second Indianapolis 500 in May of that year. At the season-ending IZOD IndyCar World Championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Wheldon was killed in a collision with a fence post alongside the circuit on the race's eleventh lap. He was 33 years old and the first driver to die in IndyCar competition since Paul Dana in 2006.
Education
Dan Wheldon attended the renowned Emberton Church of England School and subsequently moved on to compete in various racing schools. While his formal education was primarily focused on his racing career, his dedication to improving and mastering the sport reflected an education in perseverance and excellence that served him well throughout his life. He remains a role model for many in the racing community and beyond.
For the 2005 season, Wheldon again drove for AGR. He started from eleventh to lead a race-high 158 of 200 laps of the Homestead–Miami Speedway season-opener to win. After that, Wheldon went on to win consecutive races at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (his first road course series win), and the Indy Japan 300 for the second successive year.
His season highlight was the Indianapolis 500 where he exchanged the lead with Danica Patrick until she slowed due to a lack of fuel. Wheldon made the race-victory overtake with seven laps to go to become the first British driver to win the event since Graham Hill in 1966. He continued to drive consistently in the top six in the next seven races.
At Pikes Peak International Raceway, Wheldon took his fifth win of the season (after leading 67 laps) to equal Sam Hornish Jr.'s 2002 record of five victories during a season. Two races later, at Chicagoland Speedway, he led a race-high 88 laps to surpass Hornish's series record with his sixth win of the year.
Wheldon won the championship before starting the season's penultimate round by setting a single practice lap of Watkins Glen International. Since the last place finisher scored 12 points, his 102-point lead clinched the title with one race remaining.
With a sixth-place finish at the season-closing California Speedway round, Wheldon won the championship with 628 points. He was awarded the 2005 Autosport British Competition Driver of the Year.
