WHELDON MEMORIAL KARTING RACE DRAWS STARS

 By: IndyCar.com Staff

November 7, 2011 

 

Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button are among the initial list of drivers confirmed to participate in a karting race Dec. 5 in honor of Dan Wheldon.

The event will be held at Daytona, Milton Keynes -- about 10 miles from Wheldon's hometown of Emberton, England -- with proceeds from ticket sales and public race entrants directed to the Wheldon family's nominated charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

Between 25 and 30 teams, each including a professional driver and three members of the public, will take part in the two-hour endurance race.

"Aside from raising funds for one of the family’s chosen charities, I wanted to bring together people who knew and raced with Dan, to have some fun in his honor and give him a sendoff he would have been proud of," said race organizer Johnny Mowlem, a sports car racer and longtime personal friend of the family.
 
“The event has the full support of Dan’s family and his dad and brothers will be taking part and share in the evening. I hope members of the public will also appreciate the opportunity to take part and remember one of Britain’s most successful and charismatic champions.”
 
Others scheduled to participate include sportscar driver Anthony Davidson, Le Mans winner Guy Smith and World Touring Car Championship title contender Rob Huff. It was announced Nov. 7 that Huff will receive the Gold Star awarded by the British Racing Drivers' Club for best performance in an international arena.

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