INDIANAPOLIS - Funeral services for two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will be held Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner was killed in a fiery 15-car crash at Sunday's season-ending IndyCar race in Las Vegas. He was 33.
On Thursday, series officials released the funeral arrangements and a statement from Wheldon's widow, Susie.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday morning at First Presbyterian Church in St. Pete.
"Though we won't be able to fit everyone inside, I know that Dan would have wanted the community to share in the celebration of his life and to grieve his passing," Susie Wheldon said.
She thanked fans for offering support over the past few days, which she described as "unbearable" for the family.
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Wheldon's fun-loving ways made him one of IndyCar's most popular drivers.
He developed a special bond with fans in both American cities that he called home - Indianapolis and St. Petersburg - after moving from his native England.
Fans from both cities dropped off notes of condolence and items ranging from teddy bears to checkered flags at impromptu memorial sites this week.
The St. Petersburg City Council was scheduled to honor Wheldon with a resolution Thursday afternoon, and IndyCar officials are holding a public memorial service Sunday afternoon at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indy.
"Although the last few days have been unbearable for our family, the overwhelming love and support we have received are rays of sunshine during these dark days," Susie Wheldon said. "The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers.
Wheldon is survived by his wife and two young children, Sebastian and Oliver.
NASCAR to honor Wheldon at Talladega
TALLADEGA, Ala. - NASCAR is giving all its teams a decal that honors Wheldon to place on their cars this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.
Many NASCAR drivers knew Wheldon.
The decal is of the Lionheart Knight image that Wheldon affixed to the back of his helmets. NASCAR is also producing a helmet decal for any drivers who would like to use them.
Some drivers already have their own plans in place to honor Wheldon, including Brad Keselowski, who will have "In Honor of Dan" written across his back bumper.
NASCAR will also hold a moment of silence for Wheldon before the start of Sunday's race.
