Hundreds attend Wheldon's funeral in Florida

Autoracing Betting Lines

10/22/2011 - St. Petersburg, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Family members, friends and many in the auto racing community gathered to pay their respects to two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and former IndyCar champion Dan Wheldon, who was killed in a multi- car crash during last Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Wheldon, 33, was remembered as an accomplished race car driver as well as a young father and husband during the hour-long service held on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg. He was born in Emberton, England but had resided in St. Petersburg. Wheldon is survived by his wife, Susie, and two sons, Sebastian and Oliver.

"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 in a statement earlier this week. "The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers."

IndyCar drivers Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan were among those who served as pallbearers for Wheldon. Wynonna Judd performed "Amazing Grace" during the service. Her sister, Ashley Judd, who is Franchitti's wife, was also in attendance.

Large crowds formed outside the church to mourn Wheldon. A private burial for Wheldon was held after the funeral.

IndyCar has planned a public memorial service for the 2005 series titleholder on Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The memorial will be televised live on VERSUS and ESPNEWS as well as streamed online at IndyCar.com.

Wheldon won his second Indianapolis 500 in May. He made just three starts in the series this year.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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