The Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race, set to take place at Daytona Milton Keynes on Monday, December 5, has received overwhelming support from fans and the motor racing industry alike, all wishing to race in Dan’s honour while raising funds for the Wheldon family’s chosen charity, Alzheimer’s Society.
Due to the unprecedented outpouring of support for the double Indy 500 winner and IndyCar Champion, who lost his life in the final round of the IZOD IndyCar Series at Las Vegas in October, the grid has been stretched to its absolute maximum with 36 teams of four drivers due to line-up on Monday evening.
Aptly, Dan’s Dad, Clive, and his siblings Austen, Elliott, Ashley and Holly, will all be joining the race taking place just 10 miles from Dan’s hometown of Emberton, Buckinghamshire.
An unrivalled gathering of professional drivers from across the realms of worldwide motor sport will join together in Dan’s memory for the race organised by Dan’s friend, sportscar ace Johnny Mowlem.
Dario Franchitti, Jenson Button, Anthony Davidson, David Coulthard, Guy Smith, Jonny Kane, Rob Huff, James Hinchcliffe, Johnny Herbert, David Brabham, Marino Franchitti, Martin and Alex Brundle, Mike Conway, James Jakes, Adam Carroll, Chris Buncombe, Richard Dean, Steven Kane, Sam Hancock, Luke Hines, Marc Hynes, Nic Minassian, Jason Plato, James Rossiter, Peter Dumbreck, Richard Lyons, Sam Bird, Duncan Tappy, James Thompson, Tom Sisley, Ollie Hancock and Danny Watts are all confirmed to attend.
Mowlem’s event aim is simply to offer the opportunity for those who loved, raced, worked and admired Dan to give him a send off he would have been proud of. To ensure that focus firmly remains, Mowlem has announced an additional fun element of which Dan would have approved, while generating more valuable funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
The Cash for Penalties system will mean that any driver, whether professional or public, can pay for penalties to be bestowed on any team – whether by way of buying laps or black flags.
Mowlem commented: “The response for Dan’s Memorial Kart Race has been unbelievable and really touching, from members of the public wanting to race in honour of their hero to professional drivers all too willing to give up their free time for their fallen friend.
“The Cash for Penalties system is just another way to raise some charity funds while helping to ensure that the racing doesn’t get too serious. We are there to remember one of the country’s most charismatic and talented champions and I don’t want that to be forgotten while we’re having fun in Dan’s honour.
“The event sold out within just a few hours and although we increased the teams to Daytona’s maximum it sadly wasn’t possible to fulfil everyone’s request to race. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. It’s going to be a fantastic night and I am so pleased that Clive, Holly, Ashley, Elliott and Austen will be joining us. I hope we can do them, and of course Dan, proud.”
Daytona will open for the Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race at 6pm. Drivers’ briefing will be held at 6.30pm, practice at 7pm and the two-hour endurance race will start at 7.40pm. The evening will conclude with an awards presentation at 9.50pm. Due to limited spectator capacity, only drivers and their guests will be permitted.
Notes to Editors — Alzheimer’s Society
One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Alzheimer’s Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the ‘Mapping the Dementia Gap’ study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society Press Office 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk
Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race Media Contacts:
Emma Spearing, Hazel PR:
Mobile: +44 (0)7736 341828 | Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
Cathy Metcalfe, MPR Associates:
Mobile: +44 (0)7802 332398 | Email: cathy.metcalfe@btinternet.com
Info Dan Wheldon Memorial Kart Race / © Photo KSP – Chris Walker