INDIANAPOLIS -- Susie Wheldon has accepted her late husband's Indy 500 ring and thanked the racing community for its support following his death.
Dan Wheldon's widow was in Indianapolis on Thursday for the brief ceremony at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Wheldon won his second Indy 500 last year, passing JR Hildebrand after the leader crashed on the last turn of the last lap.
In October, he was killed in a horrific accident at IndyCar's season-ending race at Las Vegas.
Susie Wheldon did not take questions but did make a public statement saying she was honored to accept the ring on behalf of her family. Two-time Indy winner Dario Franchitti persuaded her to put the ring on.
Susie Wheldon is also expected to participate in Saturday's driver's meeting.
MICHAEL MAROT, AP Sports Writer
Associated Press