FRISCO, Texas -- Dan Wheldon knows a thing or two about pace. Of course, the IndyCar Series standout has a completely different idea of the concept. Wheldon, the 2005 IndyCar Series champion who won at Kansas Speedway over the weekend and was in town to promote an upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway, participated Wednesday in the last part of training with FC Dallas.
After doing a media session, Wheldon made his way out to the training field in a blue FCD warmup bearing No. 10. He then went to midfield to meet head coach Steve Morrow and the players before taking part in a few drills.
Wheldon spent much of his time on the right side of the field and toward the end, was awarded a penalty kick, which he converted. At the conclusion, he and FCD defensive midfielder Marcelo Saragosa raced golf carts and Wheldon prevailed.
The native of England enjoyed his time in Frisco, an event that was arranged by TMS officials.
"As a kid growing up in England, that's all you know, is motor racing and soccer," Wheldon said. "From an American perspective, soccer seems to be a little more engaging now with the help of David Beckham. So, I jumped at the chance (to do this). I haven't played in a long time, so don't think I'm going to be the next Beckham or anything like that."
He admitted that when he did take to the field he did so as a forward because he "loves the glory". After growing up a fan of Tottenham Hotspur, Wheldon did what many might view as unthinkable and switched his allegiance.
"When I was over there, I always liked Tottenham Hotspur," he said. "But when I moved over here in 1999, you could never find them on TV, so I switched if you're allowed to do that. I started watching Manchester United a lot. One of my favorite players is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is an amazing player who has some good road cars."
After growing up in England, Wheldon was more than a little familiar with Morrow from his time in the Premiership.
"I know he used to play at Arsenal," Wheldon said. "I'm going to wind him up a little bit about Tony Adams and see who was better. They played at different times but those Arsenal players, they all like to compete."
Wheldon admits that he doesn't watch as many MLS games as he would like but he can see how much the sport is growing in the U.S.
"It's interesting from my perspective to see how it's starting to take off," Wheldon said. "When I first came to America and would talk about soccer, people would look at you like you were crazy. Now, people are starting to understand what the game is about because it's a great game. It's different but is a great form of entertainment that really seems to be picking up."
After his few minutes on the pitch, Morrow offered a quick assessment of his performance.
"He showed me some moves but I don't know if they were very good ones," Morrow joked. "It's great for him to come out and is great publicity for us. We're always glad to have personalities out here. It's great."
FCD left center back Adrian Serioux also couldn't resist chiming in.
"You expect a lot with him being from England and would expect him to have some knowledge of the game, which I'm sure he does," Serioux said. "As far as his skills are concerned, they are lacking. You saw that by seeing him take on Andrew (Daniels) and Andrew just drilling the ball into him. It's great seeing someone from another sport come and really appreciate what you do. It was good to have him here."
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