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Tag: Indianapolis 500

  • Gary Bettenhausen: Veteran Indy-Car Driver Dies

    Indy-car legend Garr Bettenhausen has died at the age of 72, confirms officials of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    Bettenhausen — of the famous Bettenhausen racing family — competed in 21 Indianapolis 500s between 1968 and 1993, finishing 3rd in 1980. He was in the lead for 138 laps of the 1972 race and was the top qualifier in 1991.

    Bettenhausen’s father, Tony, another Indianapolis 500 veteran, was killed in a crash during practice at the speedway in 1961.

    Speedway President J. Douglas Boles issued a statement Monday, expressing accolades for the Bettenhausen, calling him ”the perfect definition of a race car driver of his time.”

    Tributes to the Indy driver were posted today on Twitter:

    Image via YouTube

  • Ashley Judd Celebrates Husband Dario Franchitti’s Indy Win

    Ashley Judd’s husband Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, making it the third time the talented driver has seen the checkered flag wave as he crossed the finish line. Of course, Judd, who is easily Franchitti’s biggest fan, knew her spouse would come out on top. Before the race began, Judd reportedly whispered in her husband’s ear, “I’ll see you in Victory Lane.” 500 laps later, her prediction had come true.

    Not only does Franchitti have the honor of being only the tenth driver to win the popular race three times, he also gets to bring home $2.4 million for finishing in the top spot. Not bad for a hard day’s work, especially when you’ve got Ashley Judd on your arm, as well. To celebrate Franchitti’s achievement, the couple took a victory lap around the track in one of the open-top pace cars.

    However, Franchitti’s victory was almost derailed during the last lap by driver Takuma Sato. In a daring move, Sato attempted to pass Franchitti, only to crash his car into the wall as a result. Naturally, the Japanese wheelman seemed to blame his opponent for the wreck, claiming Franchitti didn’t move up to give him room.

    Here’s a look at the incident in question:

    Joining the couple for their celebratory lap was Susie Wheldon, wife of Franchitti’s close friend Dan Wheldon, who died last October in a crash on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “What a race, what a race! I think D-dub [Dan Wheldon] would be proud of that one. I just want to dedicate this to two of Indianapolis’ finest, Dan Wheldon and Michael Wanser [son of Barry Wanser of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing]. Thanks to all of the Indianapolis fans for their tribute to Dan today,” Franchitti said after the race.

    Judd and Franchitti met at a wedding for actor-turned-race car driver Jason Priestley. According to People, the two had no idea they were being set up by their friends. After the event, all Franchitti could talk about was the lovely lass he’d met. Judd, meanwhile, was quite giddy herself, reportedly spending several long hours on the phone with her new beau. The pair were married at Skibo Castle near Dornoch, Scotland in 2001.

    (image)

    What do the folks who labor furiously over each and every Twitter post think about Ashley Judd, Dario Franchitti, and his win at this year’s Indianapolis 500? You can find a small collection of reactions to the news below.

    (image) ashley judd
    @AshleyJudd     Thanks, everyone, for the good wishes & congragulations. Your enthusiasm in celebrating w/ @dariofranchitti has made it even more special!
    5 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto
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    (image) David Alan Grier
    @davidalangrier     So, who won the Indy 500 again? Was it Ashley Judd or her husband Dario Franchitti?
    28 minutes ago via Echofon · powered by @socialditto
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    (image) Keith Huewen
    @KeithHuewen     Emotional #Indy500 stat for @dariofranchitti – The only other driver to win from 16th on the grid? His friend Dan Wheldon 2005 #lionheart
    18 hours ago via Twitter for Android · powered by @socialditto
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    (image) Frank Warren III
    @FrankWarrenIII     Pretty awesome Indy 500. Great win for Dario Franchitti, and courageous try by Sato.
    19 minutes ago via HTC Peep · powered by @socialditto
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    (image) Jeremy Lord
    @jeremy_lord     Many congratulations to former British F3 drivers Mark Webber & Dario Franchitti on winning two of the most prestigious races in the world.
    35 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
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  • Indianapolis 500 Winner, Dan Wheldon, Dies in Wreck [VIDEO]

    Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011, has died after a fiery 15-car wreck at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His car flew over another on lap 13 and smashed into the wall just near the 2nd turn.

    You can view the crash video below.

    Wheldon was only 33 years old. To pay their respects, drivers and owners have agreed to not resume the race. The drivers plan to do a five-lap salute in his honor.

    To read more about the death of Dan Wheldon, please visit FamousDead.com

    News of Wheldon hit Twitter, where his name was one of the top trending topics:

    @john
    John Shahidi    RIP Dan Wheldon. My heart goes out to his family, including his 2 year old and new born. Such horrible news. 28 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto

    @DhaniJones
    Dhani Jones    A tragic day. RT @MikeHillESPN: R.I.P Dan Wheldon. Dying today in a horrific, tragic 15 car crash in Vegas. 44 minutes ago via Osfoora for iPhone · powered by @socialditto

    @36westbrook
    Brian Westbrook    Life is so short. Make the most of it & enjoy every minute you have w/ those you love. My thoughts are w/ Dan’s family. RIP Dan Wheldon 48 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @Prince___Harry
    Prince Harry    Thoughts and prayers with Dan Wheldon ‘s wife and 2 young boys at this immensely painful and tragic time. #RIP 50 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto