Dan Wheldon had already won the title before the race began

The English driver claimed the IndyCar title after completing his practice lap at Watkins Glen, guaranteeing enough points to ensure he cannot be beaten.

He joins Emerson Fittipaldi and Jacques Villeneuve, among others, as winners of the IndyCar/Indianapolis 500 double.

"To join the list of names who have won championships and the Indy 500 in the same season's pretty special," he said.

"Those are all people I respect immensely. To be listed in the same category is a nice feeling.

"The IndyCar series is a tough series, and I think there's a ton of talented drivers here. To achieve that is a good team effort.

"Obviously, I've had very good cars this year and very fast cars. We have been able to win a lot of races, which is rare nowadays.

"My goal coming into this season was to win the Indy 500. When I achieved that, I had to adjust my mindset, and the goals I had for myself. Obviously, winning the championship was the next goal."

Wheldon, who has won six races this season, has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Andretti Green team next year, although he remains hopeful that he will get a chance to race in Formula One at some stage.

The 27-year-old Englishman is the 25th driver to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the overall title in the same year, and only the fourth since 1980.

Wheldon finished fifth in the race which was won by New Zealand's Scott Dixon, who broke a 40-race winless streak.