Indy 500 worth $2.6 mn for Wheldon

Dan Wheldon received $2,567,255 for winning the Indianapolis 500, which might come in handy for the English driver who calls himself "unemployed". Wheldon won the 100th anniversary edition of the Indy 500 on Sunday in dramatic style, when leader J.R. Hildebrand crashed in the final turn of the final lap. Wheldon, who started sixth, became just the 18th driver to win the race at least twice. He also triumphed in 2005 on his way to a series driver's title. Wheldon has six top-four finishes in nine career Indianapolis 500 starts, including his runner-up finishes the past two years. Hildebrand, a rookie who could only rue his last-minute mistake, won $1,064,895 for finishing second. The total purse was $13,509,485 and the prizes were handed out on Monday evening at the Indianapolis 500 victory celebration. Earlier in the day, Wheldon took a victory tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "I'm unemployed. I'm unemployed," said Wheldon, who doesn't have a full-time IndyCar ride and was driving for Bryan Herta in the Indy 500 as a one-off. "I'm sure Bryan will do everything he can to keep me in a race car, but Bryan is an astute businessman, too," added Wheldon, who knows his lack of sponsorship hinders his chances of landing with a team. Herta, who hasn't fielded a car full-time this season, had hoped running at America's most famous motor race would help him build toward a full season in 2012. He said Wheldon's triumph had already attracted some attention from businesses, and could speed up the timeline. "I think there could be some opportunities created for us to continue," Herta said. "I'm sure that Dan will get some opportunities, and my hope is we'll be able to work together later this year." Wheldon said he opted to drive for Herta on Sunday because he thought the team had the equipment to compete. They were also willing to listen to the veteran driver, who questioned the numbers the team's engineer wanted to use to set up the car on race day. On Saturday, the engineer called Wheldon back to thank him for pointing out the flaw in the calculations. Wheldon said it reminded him of 2005, when he had six victories and 12 top-five finishes in 16 starts, winning the 500 and the overall IndyCar crown. "I felt like the old Dan was back, the confident, bubbly Dan," Wheldon said. "That's why I do this." Where the "old Dan" will find a new home, however, remains to be seen. He said he would consider running in October's Gold Coast 600, a V8 Supercar road race in Australia, but doesn't yet have a ride. He'd like to compete in more IndyCar races, but doesn't think Formula One will come calling. "I'm pretty sure no Formula One team is going to look at me because I'm getting a little older," Wheldon said. "Honestly, I have to evaluate all of my options now because I don't have a contract and I still feel like I've got some left in me."