The wife of late Indycar series champion Dan Wheldon is opening her new boutique in St. Petersburg this weekend, and she's getting some help from a few of her husband's one-time peers.
- Susie Wheldon opening "Verve." on Central Ave.
- Store opening timed to coincide with Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
- Drivers Scott Dixon, Marco Andretti, others modeled clothing from shop at opening
With the car that Dan won the Indianapolis 500 in back in 2011 parked outside, Susie Wheldon held the grand opening of "Verve." on Central Avenue Thursday. The date she set for the opening was no coincidence.
"It's really symbolic for me and just kind of turning a chapter in my life and being able to kind of have my racing friends in town and show them what I've been doing and just kind of wishing me well in this new venture," said Susie.
Reminders of Dan Wheldon are everywhere in the shop. It features a lion heart mural with his initials, and the shop's very name is inspired by Wheldon's favorite band.
"Dan's nickname was 'lion heart,' said Susie. "But that was just kind of, I wanted to put him in the store in kind of subtle ways that I know he still has a presence here and guiding me and definitely is an inspiration to me being here and doing this store."
During the opening, Wheldon's friends and fellow drivers were everywhere, too. Some, like Scott Dixon, Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe and Josef Newgarden even modeled some of the "high-end streetwear" the store has to offer.
"I have to say those guys were just amazing and always so gracious," said Susie.
Others, like driver Tony Kanaan, simply came to support a dear friend.
“It’s Susie, it’s Dan, St. Pete, we’re here obviously," said Kanaan. "I came here because it’s a promise I made her the day that I came her for Dan’s funeral and we will support her for the rest of our lives.”
Verve. is located at 915 Central Avenue. To learn more about the store, visit them on Facebook.