Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon chosen to test new Dallara IndyCar chassis

In most racing series – as in most sports in general – a champion should have no trouble getting a new contract. In fact he ought to have every team with a budget beating a path to his door. But Indy is different that way.

Despite winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series title in 2005, and scoring podiums every season since, Dan Wheldon couldn't find a full-time ride for this year's series. But he showed them all when he won the Indy 500 for a second time this year.

That's why series organizers have chosen Wheldon to test the all-new Dallara chassis that will be introduced to the IndyCar field next year. A proven talent with no other commitments, Wheldon hopes that the test drive regimen, coupled with his high-profile win, will help him secure a full-time drive for next season. At that point, he'll have more – if not the only – experience in the new car over any other driver in the series.