George Dario Marino Franchitti MBE (born 19 May 1973) is a British motorsport commentator and retired motor racing driver from Scotland. Franchitti won the IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011; the Indianapolis 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012; and the 2008 24 Hours of Daytona driving for Andretti Green Racing (AGR) and later Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR).

Dario Franchitti
MBE
Franchitti in 2015
NationalityUnited Kingdom British
Born (1973-05-19) 19 May 1973 (age 50)
Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland
Championship titles
2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 IndyCar Series Champion
2007, 2010, 2012 Indianapolis 500 Winner
Awards
1992 McLaren Autosport Award
2001 Greg Moore Legacy Award
2017 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame inductee
2009 BRDC Gold Star
2019 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee
IndyCar Series career
151 races run over 11 years
Best finish1st (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011)
First race2002 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Last race2013 Grand Prix of Houston (Reliant Park)
First win2004 Menards A.J. Foyt 225 (Milwaukee)
Last win2012 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis)
Wins Podiums Poles
21 59 23
Champ Car career
114 races run over 6 years
Best finish2nd (1999)
First race1997 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami (Homestead)
Last race2002 Mexico Gran Premio Telmex/Gigante (Mexico City)
First win1998 Texaco/Havoline 200 (Road America)
Last win2002 Sure For Men Rockingham 500 (Rockingham UK)
Wins Podiums Poles
10 32 11
NASCAR Cup Series career
10 races run over 1 year
Best finish49th (2008)
First race2008 Daytona 500 (Daytona)
Last race2008 Lenox Industrial Tools 300 (Loudon)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 0 0
NASCAR Xfinity Series career
18 races run over 2 years
Best finish35th (2008)
First race2007 Sam's Town 250 (Memphis)
Last race2008 Food City 250 (Bristol)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 2 1
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career
2 races run over 1 year
Best finish107th (2007)
First race2007 Kroger 200 (Martinsville)
Wins Top tens Poles
0 0 0

Franchitti began kart racing at the age of 10 and had early success before progressing to car racing at age 17, winning the 1991 Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship and the 1993 Formula Vauxhall Lotus Championship. In 1995 and 1996, he competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and the related International Touring Car Championship for the AMG-Mercedes team, winning two races. Franchitti debuted in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) with Hogan Racing for the 1997 season. The following year, he joined Team Green and finished third in the championship with three victories. After tying Juan Pablo Montoya on points and winning four fewer races than Montoya, Franchitti finished second in the 1999 season. His form declined over the next three years but he won four races.

In the Indy Racing League in 2003, Franchitti joined the renamed AGR team but injury limited him to three races that year. He won two races in the 2004 and 2005 seasons, finishing fourth and sixth overall. Franchitti won his first IndyCar Drivers' Championship in 2007 with four victories, including his first Indianapolis 500 win, before joining CGR for the following year's NASCAR programme. In 2009, he returned to IndyCar, winning three consecutive championships from 2009 to 2011, and 12 more races, including the 2010 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti's form deteriorated during the 2012 championship as he struggled to adapt to a new car but he won his third Indianapolis 500. Following contact with Takuma Sato's car in the penultimate round of the 2013 season, Franchitti sustained two fractured vertebrae, a broken ankle and concussion, bringing his racing career to an end.

Franchitti competed in 265 races in American open-wheel car racing, winning 31 and finishing on the podium 92 times. After retiring, Franchitti became an advisor and driver-coach for CGR, as well as a co-commentator and driver pundit on the all-electric Formula E racing series' television world feed. He has been inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame, and was named the 2007 BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year.

Early life and family background edit

Franchitti was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, on 19 May 1973.[1] He is the son of Inverness-born tourist board employee Marina Franchitti,[2][3] and ice-cream parlour owner and amateur racing driver George Franchitti.[3] He is of Italian descent; his three Italian grandparents originate from the town of Cassino.[4][5] His younger brother Marino, his cousin Paul di Resta and his godson Sebastian Melrose are also racing drivers.[6][7] Franchitti has a sister.[2] When Franchitti was eight years old, he moved to Whitburn.[2] He was educated at Edinburgh's private Stewart's Melville College, where he did not feel at ease due to its traditionalism, and he was taught cricket and rugby union.[8]

Junior career edit

When he was three years old, Franchitti was given a Honda-powered go-kart.[2] His wish to become a racing driver began when his father took him to the West of Scotland Kart Club and other kart tracks as a child.[9] When he turned ten, Franchitti started kart racing; his first race ended after two laps due to engine failure.[4][9] He started racing at the West of Scotland Kart Club and tracks in the north of Scotland, and he tested karts at Knockhill near Dunfermline.[6] In 1984, at the age of 11, Franchitti won the Scottish Junior Championship; he also won the British Junior Karting Championships in 1985 and 1986.[3][10] Franchitti retired from the 1987 Karting World Championship final after colliding with Luca Badoer.[11][10] In 1988, he won the Scottish Senior Championship and was runner-up in the 1989 British Senior Karting Championship.[8][3] Franchitti raced part-time in the 1990 British Senior Kart Series.[11] Overall, Franchitti won more than 100 races and 20 karting titles.[12]

In 1990, racing driver David Leslie's father suggested to Franchitti he join Leslie's team and work on his cars at races.[10] Aged 17,[2] Franchitti began racing a single-seater vehicle for David Leslie Racing in the inaugural Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship.[10][13] Franchitti's father remortgaged the family home to pay for his son's racing.[10] Franchitti won the championship with four victories, three in the final three rounds, and three podium finishes.[11][14] Paul Stewart Racing (PSR) offered Franchitti a Formula Vauxhall test after a team member observed him driving. Team owner Jackie Stewart promised Franchitti if he drove for PSR, Stewart would find funding from Scottish sponsors.[10][6] Stewart became Franchitti's informal coach, teaching him how to race more quickly and more consistently.[3] Franchitti finished fourth overall in the 1992 Formula Vauxhall Lotus Championship, with multiple second and third-place finishes for PSR.[11][15] Later that year, he won the Autosport BRDC Award,[15] which included a test in a McLaren MP4/10B Formula One (F1) car at Jerez at the end of 1995.[16]

The following year, Franchitti became a racing school instructor, and earned money running circuit days for BMW and Nissan.[10] He returned to the Formula Vauxhall Lotus Championship for PSR in a single-seat Vauxhall-powered car,[17] winning the championship at Brands Hatch in August of that year with three races remaining.[18] Franchitti had six victories and four podium finishes, and was named the series' Driver of the Year.[11] The same year, he raced in the Silverstone round of the British Formula Three (F3) Championship, finishing fifth in a PSR Reynard 933-Mugen Honda.[19][20] Stewart promoted Franchitti to the British F3 Championship in 1994, hoping he would later progress to F1, and he was expected to challenge for the title.[21][22] Franchitti finished fourth overall with 133 points in a PSR Dallara F394-Mugen Honda, a single victory at Silverstone and six top-three finishes after errors prevented him from challenging for the title.[11][14][23][24] Franchitti also finished 12th at the 1994 Masters of Formula 3 and sixth at the 1994 Macau Grand Prix.[25][26]

Touring car career edit

 
Franchitti competing in the 1995 International Touring Car Series round at Donington Park

Franchitti did not have enough money to progress to Formula 3000 and did not race in F3 for another season as expected because he did not want to incur more debt.[14][22] Mercedes-Benz signed him to its junior team just in its attempt to recreate its Young Driver Programme in the German-based Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) and the related International Touring Car Championship (ITC) series after their first option, Giancarlo Fisichella, wanted a one-year deal that would leave him the option of driving for Minardi in F1.[14][27][28] Franchitti drove a Mercedes C-Class V6 for the AMG-Mercedes team, Mercedes-Benz's sports-car competition division.[3][29][30]

Franchitti competed in the 1995 DTM and the 1995 ITC. His 14-race DTM season put him fifth in the Drivers' Championship with two pole positions, four podium finishes and 74 points.[31][32] During the ITC season, Franchitti won his first touring car race at Mugello, twice finished second at Donington Park, and third at the second Estoril round for third in the Drivers' Championship with 80 points.[31][32] For the 1996 ITC season, he stayed with AMG-Mercedes and finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship with 171 points and five podium finishes, and won the first Suzuka round.[31]

Championship Auto Racing Teams edit

1997–1999 edit

At the end of 1996, the ITC folded due to escalating costs and Franchitti told Ilmor boss Paul Morgan he wanted to compete in the US-based Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART).[3][16][33] Jackie Stewart sent a letter of recommendation to trucking mogul Carl Hogan, who telephoned Mercedes in Germany,[34] and the company assigned Franchitti to drive the No. 9 Reynard 97i-Mercedes-Benz car for the single Hogan Racing customer car squad in the 1997 CART World Series.[14][32] Franchitti rejected the offer of a seven-year contract from McLaren owner Ron Dennis to test McLaren's F1 cars during the week while he competed in CART at weekends and act as a replacement driver in case of injury.[16]

Franchitti debuted at the season-opening Grand Prix of Miami.[32] Starting from 13th, he crashed after running wide to allow race leader Gil de Ferran to lap him.[35] In the following race, Franchitti achieved his best result of the season, finishing in ninth place at the 1997 Sunbelt IndyCarnival.[32] He scored points in three more races,[11] and at the Molson Indy Toronto, he took his first CART pole position.[36] Before the season's final race at California Speedway, Hogan dismissed Franchitti due to their strained relationship, which was due to Franchitti joining Team Green for the following season. Franchitti was replaced by Robby Gordon.[37][38] Franchitti was 22nd in the Drivers' Championship with 10 points and was third in the Rookie of the Year standings.[11][32]

In late 1997, Franchitti signed a two-year-minimum contract to drive for Team Green from the 1998 season after impressing team owner Barry Green with his abilities.[33][39] Franchitti had six top-ten finishes, including a second-place finish at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and qualified in pole position at the Rio 400, the Molson Indy Toronto and the Miller Lite 200 in the season's first 13 races.[32] At the season's 14th race, the Texaco/Havoline 200, Franchitti took his first series victory, and the first Champ Car win for a Scottish driver since Jim Clark in the 1965 Indianapolis 500.[40] Three weeks later, Franchitti won the Molson Indy Vancouver from his fourth pole position of the season.[41] After finishing fourth at the Honda Grand Prix of Monterey,[32] he led every lap of the rain-shortened Texaco Grand Prix of Houston in his third and final victory of 1998.[42] Franchitti finished second at the Honda Indy 300 but lost the runner-up spot to Jimmy Vasser when his engine failed at the season-ending Marlboro 500, which Vasser won. Franchitti was third overall and scored 160 points.[32][43]

Before the 1999 CART season, Franchitti signed a two-year contract extension with Team Green through to the end of the 2000 season; he did not want to be indefinitely retained and wanted keep his options open for the future.[44][45][46] Franchitti's manager Craig Pollock advised him to remain in CART to gain more experience and he rejected an offer to join Stewart Grand Prix in F1.[47][48] Franchitti took seven top-ten finishes in the first ten races.[32] He led all of the Molson Indy Toronto to win and took the championship lead from Juan Pablo Montoya after winning the ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix two races later. Over the next five rounds, Franchitti won four top-ten places and pole position in the Miller Lite 200. He won the season's penultimate round the Honda Indy 300 from pole position to enter the season-ending Marlboro 500 nine points ahead of Montoya.[49] Franchitti had to finish third in California to win the title but would lose on countback if he and Montoya finished with the same number of points.[50] Franchitti finished the race tenth and Montoya fourth, ending the season with the same number of points as the latter, who was crowned champion because he won seven races while Franchitti had only won three.[51]

2000–2002 edit

Prior to the 2000 CART season, Franchitti was hospitalised after a crash during pre-season testing at Homestead–Miami Speedway; part of the car's suspension hit his head, and he sustained displaced fractures in his left hip and pelvis, and multiple minor brain contusions.[52][53] The accident affected Franchitti's concentration, balance, memory and fatigue levels,[54] as well as developing a more serious mindset.[55] As a result, Franchitti underwent physical therapy five times a week,[56] before CART's medical director Steve Olvey declared him fit that March.[53] His performance deteriorated due to a lack of testing and his team changing personnel,[57] and he drove an unreliable car he occasionally crashed.[32][58] Franchitti finished second at the Firestone Firehawk 500 and the Molson Indy Vancouver, his best finishes of the season, in which he scored two pole positions and six more top-ten finishes—including third place at the Michigan 500 and the Honda Grand Prix of Monterey. Franchitti was 13th in the championship with 92 points.[11][32]

Team Green retained Franchitti for the 2001 season; he signed a contract extension with the team in August 2000.[59] The season's opening eight rounds saw Franchitti achieve six top-ten finishes, including a second-place finish at the Tenneco Automotive Grand Prix of Detroit.[32] At the Marconi Grand Prix of Cleveland, Franchitti qualified 14th, passing race leader Memo Gidley with ten laps remaining for his seventh career CART victory.[60] His performance for the rest of the season was sub-par, with four top-ten and two second-place finishes at both Harrah's 500 and the Texaco/Havoline Grand Prix of Houston. Franchitti concluded the season seventh in the championship standings with 105 points.[32]

 
Franchitti racing for Team Green in the 2002 Sure for Men Rockingham 500

After signing another two-year contract extension through to the conclusion of the 2003 season in August 2001, Franchitti returned to Team Green for the 2002 CART season.[61] He finished second at the season-opening Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix and took three third-place finishes at the Bridgestone Potenza 500, G.I. Joe's 200 and the following CART Grand Prix of Chicago, starting from pole position in Chicago.[11] Franchitti led the final 15 laps of the Molson Indy Vancouver after teammate Paul Tracy's pit stop for fuel and tyres, and had his first win of the season.[62] Three races later, starting from second, Franchitti led 43 laps to win the Molson Indy Montreal.[63] He won in the Sure for Men Rockingham 500 in his only CART oval track victory two races later.[64] Franchitti finished the season's final four races within the top ten to place fourth in the Drivers' Championship with 148 points.[11]

IndyCar Series and stock car racing edit

2002–2004 edit

Franchitti made his debut in CART's rival franchise the Indy Racing League (IRL) in the 2002 IRL season, driving Team Green's unique No. 27 Dallara IR02-Chevrolet Indy V8 entry for the Indianapolis 500 after the team found funding for the programme.[32][65][66] Starting from 28th,[32] Franchitti sustained a puncture after making a pit stop and was restricted to an 19th-place finish.[67]

Although he wanted to remain a CART driver because of the series' competition and variety,[68] Franchitti moved to the IRL for the 2003 season with the renamed Andretti Green Racing team (AGR) following his rejection of an offer to drive for Newman/Haas Racing in place of Christian Fittipaldi.[a][69][70] Franchitti changed his driving style to handle the lighter and more responsive normally-aspirated, V8-engined car on short oval circuits,[71] and improved his hand-eye-foot coordination.[72] After competing in the season's first two races, finishing seventh in the season-opening round at Homestead,[32] Franchitti fractured his lumbar vertebrae in an motorbike accident during a trip to West Lothian that April.[73] Franchitti was replaced by Dan Wheldon, Robby Gordon and Bryan Herta in the following three races.[74] Franchitti finished fourth in the Honda Indy 225—his season's best finish—before requiring season-ending keyhole surgery to strengthen his back.[74][73] Franchitti was replaced by Herta for the rest of the season.[75]

Franchitti extended his contract to remain at AGR for the 2004 IndyCar Series.[76] After crashing out of the season's opening two races at Homestead and Phoenix International Raceway,[77] Franchitti had the first top-ten finish of his campaign at Motegi.[32] He gained his first IndyCar pole position in the Bombardier 500 and finished the race in second place.[78] Four races later, in the Menards A. J. Foyt 225, he led a race-high 111 laps to clinch his first IndyCar victory.[79] Three races later, Franchitti had his second series win in the Honda Indy 225 at Pikes Peak.[80] For the rest of the season, Franchitti finished no higher than third and placed sixth in the championship standings with 409 points.[32]

2005–2008 edit

Franchitti returned to drive for AGR in the 2005 season after signing a one-year contract extension for a four-car team in January 2005.[81][82] A second-place finish at the season's seventh round at Richmond Raceway was his best result over the season's opening nine rounds.[32] Franchitti's first win of 2005 was the Firestone Indy 200, overtaking Patrick Carpentier with seven laps remaining.[83] The following seven rounds saw Franchitti achieve two more podium finishes with a second-place finish at the next race at the Milwaukee Mile and a third-place result at Watkins Glen International.[32] At the season's final race, the Toyota Indy 400, Franchitti qualified on pole position and held off teammate Tony Kanaan for his second victory of the season.[84] Franchitti finished fourth overall with 498 points.[32]

 
Franchitti after qualifying for the 2006 Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway

At the season's conclusion, Franchitti almost declined an opportunity during negotiations to sign a one-year contract extension because he had been considering either a career change or retirement since his sub-par results in IndyCar; Frachitti, however, remained at AGR for the 2006 season.[70][85] His performance declined after Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) became more developed when IndyCar used only Honda engines,[86] and AGR underperformed on short high-speed oval tracks.[87] He took pole position for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg street course race where suspension failure after colliding with Kosuke Matsuura's damaged car eliminated him from contention.[88] Franchitti qualified 17th for the Indianapolis 500 and came seventh after a late race pit stop for fuel.[89] His final eight races yielded a season-best finish of second at Infineon Raceway and four top-nine finishes.[32] Before the season-ending round at Chicagoland Speedway, Franchitti sustained a concussion in a vintage car accident at the Goodwood Revival and was replaced by A. J. Foyt IV.[90] He was eighth in the points standings with 311 points.[32]

 
Franchitti practising for the 2007 Indianapolis 500

For the 2007 season, Franchitti again drove for AGR.[91] He began the year by finishing the opening four races seventh and above, including podium finishes at Motegi and Kansas Speedway.[32] Franchitti's season highlight was the Indianapolis 500, which he won after rain ended it early after 166 laps, and became the race's first Scottish winner since Clark in 1965.[92] After finishing second at the ABC Supply Company A.J. Foyt 225 to take the championship lead,[32][93] Franchitti won consecutive races in the inaugural Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway, and led a race-high 242 laps in the SunTrust Indy Challenge from pole position.[94][95] Franchitti took two pole positions at Michigan International Speedway and Infineon Raceway and four top-three finishes over the next seven races to enter the season-ending Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 three points ahead of CGR's Scott Dixon.[32][96] Franchitti won the race after Dixon's car ran out of fuel on the final lap, securing his first IndyCar championship.[97]

 
Franchitti driving the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge Charger in the 2007 Ford 300

Franchitti considered joining NASCAR but discussions with CGR team owner Chip Ganassi and Richard Childress Racing owner Richard Childress did not result in a race seat.[98] Talks with Ganassi resulted in Franchitti replacing David Stremme as the driver of the No. 40 Dodge Charger on a multi-year contract from 2008 because of Stremme's sponsorship problems,[99][100] and because they believed Franchitti was more marketable,[b][102] a decision that greatly upset AGR.[103] Franchitti was enrolled onto an stock car development programme that involved ARCA and the Busch Series events, as well as testing.[c][105] He made his stock car racing debut in the ARCA Re/Max 250, qualifying seventh and finishing 17th in the No. 42 CGR Dodge.[106] Two weeks later, Franchitti entered one race in the Craftsman Truck Series—the Kroger 200—for CGR in Cunningham Motorsports' No. 41 Dodge Ram, starting 30th and finishing 33rd after an accident.[107][108]

 
Franchitti driving in the 2008 Daytona 500

In the 2007 Busch Series, Franchitti drove in four races in CGR's No. 42 Dodge Charger, achieving a best starting position of third in the Sam's Town 250 and a best finish of 25th in the O'Reilly Challenge.[109][110] During the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, he entered 14 races, qualified for 10 with an average start of 28.4 and finish of 34.3 with two did not finishes. Franchitti's season-best finish was a 22nd place in the Goody's Cool Orange 500 and his best qualifying performance was seventh in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301.[111] He fell outside the top 35 in the points standings that he had inherited from the preceding season and was required to qualify on speed from the sixth race onwards,[112] because his car was uncompetitive since CGR could not master the Car of Tomorrow concept.[113] Franchitti's Sprint Cup Series team funded by Chip Ganassi was disbanded by Ganassi and co-owner Felix Sabates in July 2008 due to the trouble of retaining major sponsorship funding.[114]

Early in 2008, Franchitti entered the season-opening ARCA Re/Max Series race the ARCA 200 at Daytona in CGR's No. 40 Dodge, qualifying ninth and finishing tenth.[115] He qualified CGR's No. 40 Dodge in 14 races in the renamed Nationwide Series, achieving two top-ten finishes with an average start of 12.6 and an average finish of 17.6.[116] Franchitti's best series finish was a fifth place at the Zippo 200 at the Glen, where he started from pole position.[117] During the Aaron's 312, Franchitti's right-rear tyre failed early in the event, causing a major accident with Larry Gunselman and leaving Franchitti with a minor left-ankle fracture.[118][119] Franchitti was replaced by Stremme, Ken Schrader, Jeremy Mayfield and Sterling Marlin during his recovery.[120]

2009–2013 edit

 
Franchitti celebrating his victory in the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto

Franchitti considered returning to IndyCar while spectating the 2008 Indianapolis 500. The introduction of new road and street circuits (particularly the Grand Prix of Toronto) to the IndyCar Series following the unification of the Champ Car World Series and the IRL sanctioning bodies in 2008 renewed Franchitti's interest in open-wheel racing.[121][122] Therefore, he signed a multi-year contract with CGR to replace Wheldon starting from the 2009 season.[123][124] Franchitti wanted to join CGR's No. 41 NASCAR Cup Series team before being reminded of the capability of IndyCars.[125]

After finishing fourth in the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg,[32] he won the following Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach after leading with a race-high 51 laps.[126] Franchitti finished seventh and above in the next three races and took pole position for the Bombardier Learjet 550.[32] Franchitti won Iowa Corn Indy 250, his second victory of 2009.[127] Following his taking pole position for the SunTrust Indy Challenge,[32] Franchitti led the championship after finishing second before exchanging the lead with teammate Dixon over the next four races.[128][129] Franchitti led 45 laps of the Honda Indy Toronto from pole position to win the race.[130] He had three more top-six finishes before leading the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma from pole position, winning his fourth race of 2009.[32][131] Two more top-four finishes put him five points behind Dixon going into the season-ending Firestone Indy 300.[32][132] Franchitti won the race from pole position, winning his second championship and finishing the year 11 points ahead of Dixon.[133]

 
Franchitti during qualifying for the 2010 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma

In the 2010 season, Franchitti returned to CGR to defend his title.[32] At the season-opening São Paulo Indy 300, he took pole position and finished the rain-interrupted event seventh.[134] He finished third in the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and second in the RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300.[32] Franchitti qualified third for the Indianapolis 500 and led 155 laps in his second win at the event.[135] Franchitti achieved consecutive podium finishes in the Honda Indy Toronto and the Honda Indy Edmonton in the following five races.[32] He won the Honda Indy 200 and the Peak Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300.[136][137] A fifth place at Kentucky Speedway and a second place at Motegi put him 12 points behind Penske's Will Power before the season-closing Cafés do Brasil Indy 300 and won the inaugural A. J. Foyt Oval Track Championship with a round to spare.[32][138][139] By finishing eighth, Franchitti won his second-consecutive championship and third overall after Power's crash.[139][140]

 
Franchitti competing in the 2011 Indy Japan: The Final

For the 2011 season, Franchitti rejoined CGR for his second successive title defence.[32] At the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Franchitti started fourth and led 94 laps to win the event.[141] He finished third in the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and the following Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, then won the first of the Firestone Twin 275s after leading 110 laps.[142][143] Franchitti led 161 laps of the Milwaukee 225 from pole position in his third victory of the season, and won the Honda Indy Toronto two races later.[144][145] The next seven races saw him finish second at Mid-Ohio and Kentucky, third at Edmonton and took another pole position at New Hampshire.[32] Before the season-ending IZOD IndyCar World Championship, Franchitti led Power in the championship standings by 18 points.[146] The race was abandoned following a 15-car accident on the 11th lap that involved Power and caused Wheldon's death, meaning Franchitti won his fourth championship; his third in succession.[147]

 
Franchitti at the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Franchitti drove for CGR for the 2012 season; he initially struggled to adapt to the new Dallara DW12 car before becoming more competitive following the season's fourth event, which was held in São Paulo, Brazil.[148][149] Franchitti took two top-ten finishes in the first four races, placing tenth at Barber and fifth in São Paulo.[32] His only win of the season was the Indianapolis 500, which he won for the third time. Franchitti was leading the race on the final lap when Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Takuma Sato crashed into the barrier in an attempt to overtake Franchitti on the inside into turn one.[150] Franchitti's performance for the rest of the season was sub-par: he had four pole positions that did not result in a race win and three more podium finishes. He was seventh in the Drivers' Championship with 363 points.[32]

Franchitti remained at CGR for the 2013 season.[32] After finishing 25th in both of the season's first two races due to an accident in St. Petersburg and mechanical failure at Barber, respectively,[151] Franchitti qualified on pole position for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which he finished fourth.[32] He achieved another ten top-ten finishes and took pole position three more times during the 15 remaining events in which he participated, earning season-best third-place finishes at each of the Pocono IndyCar 400 races, the first Honda Indy Toronto race, the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio and the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Franchitti was tenth in the final championship standings with 418 points.[32]

Career-ending accident and mentoring edit

On the final lap of the second race of the 2013 Shell-Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston doubleheader on 6 October, Franchitti's car collided with the rear of Sato's car in turn five, and was launched into the catchfence.[152] Franchitti's car ripped apart a fence section and sent debris into the grandstand past a second fence ahead of spectators. The car ricochted back onto the circuit, spinning multiple times before stopping. Franchitti's car settled driver side up on the racing surface; the car's front was removed but the chassis's tub portion remained intact.[153][154] When E. J. Viso arrived at the crash site, he hit Sato's stationary wrecked car.[152][153] A recovery crew assisted Sato and Viso as they safely evacuated their cars. An IndyCar official and 13 spectators were injured; two fans were hospitalised and eleven received on-site treatment.[152][154]

Franchitti suffered a concussion and two spinal fractures; he was sent to Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, Houston, for surgery to stabilise a fractured right ankle,[152] and was released from hospital on 10 October.[155] Franchitti travelled to Indianapolis for surgery to repair the right talus bone connecting the leg and the foot.[156] On 18 October, Franchitti was released from the Indianapolis hospital.[157] After seeing a doctor in Miami for neurological examinations and an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that produced negative results, Franchitti travelled to Scotland in November for rest.[158] Franchitti retired from competitive driving after doctors advised him his injuries and those from previous accidents put him at risk of permanent paralysis and brain damage in the event of another major crash.[72][159] Franchitti's memory, decision-making skills and concentration levels have suffered because of the crash.[160]

Franchitti has worked for CGR as an advisor and driver-coach to each of the team's racers since the 2014 IndyCar Series.[161][162] Franchitti provides performance advice to CGR's racers and engineers.[163] He did not want to be a team owner because he believed the financial risks of ownership were too great.[3]

Other racing ventures edit

In 1999, Franchitti planned to enter the Rally GB held that November but pulled out because of a scheduling conflict.[164] In July 2000, Franchitti took part in a two-day test session for the Jaguar F1 team in its R1 car at Silverstone.[165][166] He made his endurance racing debut at the 2005 24 Hours of Daytona of the Rolex Sports Car Series, sharing Howard-Boss Motorsports's No. 2 Pontiac Crawford DP03 entry with Milka Duno, Marino Franchitti and Dan Wheldon; they finished 16th in the Daytona Prototype class and 33rd overall after Duno crashed with fewer than six hours left.[167] In 2006, Franchitti again entered 24 Hours of Daytona, this time with CITGO Racing/SAMAX Motorsport in its No. 7 Riley MkXI DP-Pontiac alongside Duno, Marino and Kevin McGarrity,[168] finishing eighth overall after mechanical trouble.[169] Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan won the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category at the 2007 12 Hours of Sebring—part of the American Le Mans Series—and finished second overall in AGR's No. 26 Acura ARX-01 car.[170] Franchitti and Herta then finished sixth in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.[171]

 
The No. 1 Riley MkXI-Lexus Franchitti shared with Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas to win the 2008 24 Hours of Daytona.

Franchitti won the 2008 24 Hours of Daytona with Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas, completing 695 laps in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) Riley-Lexus car.[172] Franchitti partnered David Brabham and Scott Sharp in Highcroft Racing's No. 9 Acura ARX-01B LMP2 entry at the 2008 Petit Le Mans, retiring after 16 laps when Sharp crashed the car.[173][174] In 2009, Franchitti, Alex Lloyd and Scott Dixon finished the 24 Hours of Daytona fifth in CGRFS' No. 02 Riley-Lexus vehicle.[175] Franchitti also raced alongside Brabham and Sharp at Highcroft Racing, sharing the No. 9 Acura ARX-02a Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) car for the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Petit Le Mans, retiring with transmission failure at Sebring and finishing sixth at Road Atlanta.[176][177] In 2010, he entered the 2010 24 Hours of Daytona alongside Dixon, Jamie McMurray and Montoya at CGRFS in a Riley MkXX-BMW vehicle, finishing 37th due to mechanical failure.[178][179]

Franchitti joined Dick Johnson Racing as Steven Johnson's international co-driver in its No. 17 Ford FG Falcon for the 2010 Armor All Gold Coast 600 double-header round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.[d] Franchitti finished the first race 16th and Johnson crashed in the second.[181][180] Franchitti returned to the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2011 and 2012 alongside Dixon, McMurray and Montoya at CGRFS, coming second and fourth respectively in the No. 2 Riley-BMW entry.[179][182] For the 2012 Petit Le Mans, Franchitti joined Marino Franchitti and Scott Tucker as a co-driver of Level 5 Motorsports's No. 055 HPD ARX-03b-Honda LMP2 car, placing third overall and second in their category.[183] At the 2013 24 Hours of Daytona, he, Dixon, Joey Hand and McMurray were 37th overall after McMurray crashed the No. 2 car after a pit stop but Franchitti and Dixon came third in the Continental Tire Sports Car Festival.[179][184]

Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber had initiated plans for Franchitti to drive a Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 vehicle at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans upon retiring from IndyCar after 2014, and to race in the all-electric Formula E series. These plans failed to eventuate due to his career-ending injuries in Houston in 2013.[e][186][187] Franchitti conducted car demonstrations because he could not compete in any form of racing since he had to avoid further injury[188][189] but doctors and Motorsport UK medically cleared Franchitti to enter amateur classic car events from 2019.[188][190]

Non-racing ventures and personal life edit

 
Franchitti in the pit lane of the Silverstone Circuit at the 2014 British Grand Prix.

He has endorsed the Dutch watch brand TW Steel since 2010.[191] Franchitti volunteered for the charity Bethany Christian Trust in Edinburgh as a van driver to deliver food and drink to homeless people,[192] and for the charity Mission Motorsport, which supports the rehabilitation and employment of former military personnel, frequently through sport.[193] He has appeared on the American television shows Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.[194][195]

Franchitti made a cameo appearance as a racing driver in the 2001 film Driven.[196][197] He also voiced a Scottish news anchor and a male tourist in the 2013 animated film Turbo, for which he provided technical consultation.[198][199] He has served as a television co-commentator and driver pundit on Formula E's world feed since its inaugural season in 2014.[200] In 2019, Franchitti and Take That band member Howard Donald co-presented the four-part Channel 4 television motoring series Mission Ignition.[201] He has also worked in development for high-performance car manufacturers Acura and Gordon Murray Automotive.[202]

Franchitti is a member of the "Brat Pack", an international group of CART drivers composed of Kanaan, Greg Moore and Max Papis, who shared a desire for enjoyment, attending all-night parties, discussing life and staying in close contact with one another.[f][203] Moore introduced Franchitti to actor Ashley Judd at Jason Priestley's wedding in February 1999. Judd and Franchitti became engaged that year and married on 12 December 2001 at Skibo Castle near Dornoch, Scotland.[203] The marriage was childless;[204] Franchitti and Judd divorced in 2013 and remain on friendly terms.[205] He has since married hedge-fund executive Eleanor Robb;[206] the couple have two children.[207]

Awards and recognition edit

Dario Franchitti received the Autosport British Club Driver of the Year in 1993, and the Autosport British Competition Driver of the Year in 1998 and 2010.[208][209] In 2001, he won the Greg Moore Legacy Award as "the driver who best typifies Moore's legacy of outstanding talent on track as well as displaying a dynamic personality with fans, media and within the CART community".[11][210] Six years later, Franchitti received the BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year,[211] the Gregor Grant Award,[212] the Jackie Stewart Medal and the Callands Trophy.[208]

Franchitti was one of two winners of the BRDC Gold Star in 2009.[213] Since 2011, the Scottish National Gallery has held a 2010 photographic portrait of Franchitti taken by David Livshin.[214] Franchitti was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours "for services to motor racing".[215] Franchitti was elected to the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame in 2014,[216] the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 2017,[217] the Open Wheel category of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2019 and the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.[218][219]

Motorsports career results edit

Touring car racing edit

Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft edit

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft results
Year Team Car 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pos. Pts
1995 D2 Privat-Team AMG Mercedes Mercedes C-Class V6 HOC
1

3
HOC
2

DNS
AVU
1

Ret
AVU
2

Ret
NOR
1

6
NOR
2

2
DIE
1

2
DIE
2

4
NÜR
1

Ret
NÜR
2

Ret
ALE
1

2
ALE
2

10
HOC
1

Ret
HOC
2

DNS
5th 74
Sources:[31][32]

International Touring Car Championship edit

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

International Touring Car Championship results
Year Team Car 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Pos. Pts
1995 D2 Privat-Team AMG Mercedes Mercedes C-Class V6 MUG
1

4
MUG
2

1
HEL
1

12†
HEL
2

DNS
DON
1

2
DON
2

2
EST
1

5
EST
2

3
MAG
1

Ret
MAG
2

DNS
3rd 80
1996 D2 Privat-Team AMG Mercedes Mercedes C-Class V6 HOC
1

3
HOC
2

4
NÜR
1

2
NÜR
2

8
EST
1

9
EST
2

10
HEL
1

17†
HEL
2

DNS
NOR
1

5
NOR
2

Ret
DIE
1

2
DIE
2

2
SIL
1

21†
SIL
2

14
NÜR
1

3
NÜR
2

3
MAG
1

6
MAG
2

4
MUG
1

4
MUG
2

2
HOC
1

Ret
HOC
2

7
INT
1

13
INT
2

10
SUZ
1

1
SUZ
2

Ret
4th 171
Sources:[31][32]
  • † – Retired, but was classified as he completed 90% of the winner's race distance.

International V8 Supercar results edit

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

V8 Supercar results
Year Team Car 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Pos. Pts
2010 Dick Johnson Racing Ford FG Falcon YMC
R1
YMC
R2
BHR
R3
BHR
R4
ADE
R5
ADE
R6
HAM
R7
HAM
R8
QLD
R9
QLD
R10
WIN
R11
WIN
R12
HDV
R13
HDV
R14
TOW
R15
TOW
R16
PHI
Q
PHI
R17
BAT
R18
SUR
R19

16
SUR
R20

Ret
SYM
R21
SYM
R22
SAN
R23
SAN
R24
SYD
R25
SYD
R26
NC 0
Source:[220]

American open–wheel racing results edit

(key)

CART edit

CART Championship Series results
Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Rank Points Ref
1997 Hogan Racing Reynard 97I Mercedes-Benz IC108D V8 t MIA
25
SRF
9
LBH
12
NZR
13
RIO
27
STL
17
MIL
16
DET
13
POR
26
CLE
11
TOR
26
MIS
19
MDO
11
ROA
25
VAN
13
LS
13
FON 22nd 10 [221]
1998 Team Green Reynard 98I Honda HRK V8 t MIA
9
MOT
8
LBH
2
NZR
21
RIO
19
STL
27
MIL
4
DET
4
POR
21
CLE
3
TOR
20*
MIS
21
MDO
26
ROA
1*
VAN
1*
LS
4
HOU
1*
SRF
2
FON
22
3rd 160 [222]
1999 Team Green Reynard 99I Honda HRS V8 t MIA
3
MOT
22
LBH
2
NZR
8
RIO
2
STL
3
MIL
7
POR
3
CLE
25
ROA
18
TOR
1*
MIS
5
DET
1
MDO
3*
CHI
2
VAN
10
LS
25
HOU
2
SRF
1*
FON
10
2nd* 212* [223]
2000 Team Green Reynard 2KI Honda HR-0 V8 t MIA
11
LBH
23
RIO
11
MOT
2
NZR
23
MIL
6
DET
4
POR
9
CLE
13
TOR
25
MIS
3
CHI
20
MDO
22
ROA
12
VAN
2*
LS
3
STL
24
HOU
25
SRF
25
FON
23
13th 92 [224]
2001 Team Green Reynard 01I Honda HR-1 V8 t MTY
9
LBH
6
TXS
NH
NZR
8
MOT
17
MIL
9
DET
2
POR
6
CLE
1
TOR
24
MIS
2
CHI
15
MDO
16
ROA
19
VAN
9
LAU
25
ROC
9
HOU
2
LS
19
SRF
23
FON
23
7th 105 [225]
2002 Team Green Reynard 02I Honda HR-2 V8 t MTY
2
LBH
9
MOT
3
4th 148 [226]
Lola B02/00 MIL
12
LS
19
POR
3
CHI
3
TOR
13
CLE
14
VAN
1
MDO
17
ROA
12
MTL
1*
DEN
18
ROC
1
MIA
10
SRF
7
FON
10
MXC
5
Sources:[32][227]
* Franchitti lost the title on the tiebreaker—he won only three races compared to Juan Pablo Montoya's seven after both tied on 212 points.[51]

IndyCar Series edit

IndyCar Series results
Year Team Chassis No. Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Rank Points Ref
2002 Team Green Dallara
IR-02
27 Chevrolet HMS PHX FON NZR INDY
19
TXS PPIR RIR KAN NSH MIS KTY STL CHI TX2 44th 11 [228]
2003 Andretti Green Racing Dallara
IR-03
Honda HMS
7
PHX
16
MOT INDY TXS PPIR
4
RIR KAN NSH MIS STL KTY NZR CHI FON TX2 25th 72 [229]
2004 HMS
17
PHX
17
MOT
7
INDY
14
TXS
2
RIR
12
KAN
4
NSH
20
MIL
1
MIS
22
KTY
6
PPIR
1
NZR
3
CHI
20
FON
6
TX2
15
6th 409 [230]
2005 Dallara
IR-05
HMS
22
PHX
4
STP
3
MOT
17
INDY
6
TXS
8
RIR
2
KAN
4
NSH
1
MIL
2
MIS
8
KTY
18
PPIR
7
SNM
8
CHI
12
WGL
3
FON
1
4th 498 [231]
2006 HMS
4
STP
19
MOT
11
INDY
7
WGL
14
TXS
13
RIR
3
KAN
12
NSH
6
MIL
6
MIS
12
KTY
9
SNM
2
CHI 8th 311 [232]
2007 HMS
7
STP
5
MOT
3
KAN
2
INDY
1
MIL
2
TXS
4
IOW
1
RIR
1
WGL
3
NSH
2
MDO
2
MIS
13
KTY
8
SNM
3
DET
6
CHI
1
1st 637 [233]
2008 Chip Ganassi Racing 10 HMS STP MOT LBH KAN INDY MIL TXS IOW RIR WGL NSH MDO EDM KTY SNM DET CHI SRF1
16
NC - [234]
2009 STP
4
LBH
1
KAN
18
INDY
7
MIL
3
TXS
5
IOW
1
RIR
2
WGL
15
TOR
1
EDM
5
KTY
6
MDO
3
SNM
1
CHI
4
MOT
2
HMS
1
1st 616 [235]
2010 SAO
7
STP
5
ALA
3
LBH
12
KAN
2
INDY
1
TXS
5
IOW
18
WGL
3
TOR
2
EDM
3
MDO
1
SNM
3
CHI
1
KTY
5
MOT
2
HMS
8
1st 602 [236]
2011 STP
1
ALA
3
LBH
3
SAO
4
INDY
12
TXS1
1
TXS2
7
MIL
1
IOW
5
TOR
1
EDM
3
MDO
2
NHM
20
SNM
4
BAL
4
MOT
8
KTY
2
LVS2
C
1st 573 [237]
2012 Dallara DW12 STP
13
ALA
10
LBH
15
SAO
5
DET
2
TXS
14
MIL
19
IOW
25
TOR
17
EDM
6
MDO
17
SNM
3
BAL
13
FON
2
7th 363 [238]
50 INDY
1
2013 10 STP
25
ALA
25
LBH
4
SAO
7
INDY
23
DET
6
DET
5
TXS
6
MIL
8
IOW
20
POC
3
TOR
3
TOR
4
MDO
3
SNM
3
BAL
21
HOU
15
HOU
15
FON 10th 418 [239]
Sources:[32][227]
Years Teams Races Poles Wins Podiums
(Non-win)**
Top 10s
(Non-podium)***
Indianapolis 500
wins
Championships
11 2 151 23 21 38 50 3 (2007, 2010 & 2012) 4 (2007, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
Source:[227]
** Podium (Non-win) indicates second or third place finishes.[227]
*** Top 10s (Non-podium) indicates fourth through tenth place finishes.[227]

Indianapolis 500 edit

 
Franchitti en route to winning
the 2007 Indianapolis 500
Year Chassis Engine Start Finish Team
2002 Dallara Chevrolet 28 19 Team Green
2003 Dallara Honda DNP3 Andretti Green
2004 Dallara Honda 3 14 Andretti Green
2005 Dallara Honda 6 6 Andretti Green
2006 Dallara Honda 17 7 Andretti Green
2007 Dallara Honda 3 1 Andretti Green
2009 Dallara Honda 3 7 Chip Ganassi Racing
2010 Dallara Honda 3 1 Chip Ganassi Racing
2011 Dallara Honda 9 12 Chip Ganassi Racing
2012 Dallara Honda 16 1 Chip Ganassi Racing
2013 Dallara Honda 17 23 Chip Ganassi Racing
Source:[227]
1 Non-points-paying, exhibition race.
2 Cancelled due to death of Dan Wheldon.[147]
3 Sat out of race due to injury

Sports car racing edit

American Le Mans Series results edit

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position, Results are overall/class)

American Le Mans Series results
Year Team Make Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Points
2007 Andretti Green Racing Acura LMP2 SEB
2 / 1
STP LBH
6 / 6
LS UTH NEG MOH RA MOS DSC PLM MSC 32
2008 Highcroft Racing Acura LMP2 SEB
STP LBH UTH NEG MOH RA MOS DSC PLM
Ret
MSC 0
2009 Highcroft Racing Acura LMP1 SEB
Ret
STP LBH UTH NEG MOH RA MOS PLM
6 / 6
MSC 34
2012 Level 5 Motorsports HPD LMP2 SEB LBH MTY LRP MOS MDO ROA BAL VIR PET
3/1
20
Source:[179]

Rolex Sports Car Series results edit

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position, Results are overall/class)

Rolex Sports Car Series results
Year Team Make Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Points
2005 Howard-Boss Motorsports Pontiac DP DAY
33/16
HOM CAL LAG CMT WAT1 BAR WAT2 DAY2 MDO PHX WAT3 VIR MEX 15
2006 CITGO Racing/SAMAX Motorsport Riley DP DAY
8/8
MEX HOM LBH VIR LAG PHX LRP WAT1 DAY2 BAR WAT2 INF MIL 23
2008 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
1 / 1
HOM MEX VIR LAG LRP WAT MDO DAY2 BAR CGV WAT2 INF NJ MIL 35
2009 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
5 / 5
VIR NJ LAG WAT MDO DAY2 BAR WAT2 CGV MIL HOM 26
2010 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
37/15
HOM BAR VIR LRP LAG WAT1 MDO DAY2 NJ WAT2 CGV MIL 16
2011 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
2/2
HOM BAR VIR LRP LAG WAT1 MDO DAY2 NJ WAT2 CGV MIL 32
2012 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
4 / 4
BAR HMS NJ DET MDO RA WAT1 IMS WAT2 CGV LAG LRP 28
2013 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP DAY
37/11
AUS BAR ATL DET MDO S6H IMS RA KAN LAG
3/3
LRP 20
Source:[179]

NASCAR edit

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Sprint Cup Series edit

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 NSCC Pts Ref(s)
2008 Chip Ganassi Racing 40 Dodge DAY
33
CAL
32
LVS
33
ATL
33
BRI
36
MAR
22
TEX
DNQ
PHO
32
TAL
INQ
RCH DAR CLT DOV POC
41
MCH
43
SON
DNQ
NHA
38
DAY CHI IND POC GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM 49th 606 [111][240]
– Qualified but replaced by David Stremme

Daytona 500 edit

Year Team Manufacturer Start Finish Ref
2008 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge 40 33 [111]

Nationwide Series edit

NASCAR Nationwide Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 NNSC Pts Ref(s)
2007 Chip Ganassi Racing 42 Dodge DAY CAL MXC LVS ATL BRI NSH TEX PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV NSH KEN MLW NHA DAY CHI GTY IRP CGV GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM
32
TEX
25
PHO
29
HOM
39
95th 277 [240][110]
2008 40 DAY
20
CAL
24
LVS
6
ATL
28
BRI
22
NSH TEX
11
PHO
11
MXC TAL
41
RCH DAR CLT DOV
15
NSH KEN MLW NHA
13
DAY CHI
26
GTY IRP CGV GLN
5
MCH
13
BRI
11
CAL RCH DOV KAN CLT MEM TEX PHO HOM 35th 1571 [240][116]

Craftsman Truck Series edit

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 NCTC Pts Ref
2007 Cunningham Motorsports 41 Dodge DAY CAL ATL MAR KAN CLT MFD DOV TEX MCH MLW MEM KEN IRP NSH BRI GTW NHA LVS TAL MAR
33
ATL TEX PHO HOM 107th 64 [241]

ARCA Racing Series edit

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

ARCA Racing Series results
Year Team No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 ARSC Pts Ref
2007 Chip Ganassi Racing 42 Dodge DAY USA NSH SLM KAN WIN KEN TOL IOW POC MCH BLN KEN POC NSH ISF MIL GTW DSF CHI SLM TAL
17
TOL 135th 145 [242]
2008 40 DAY
10
SLM IOW KEN CAR KEN TOL POC MCH CAY KEN BLN POC NSH ISF DSF CHI SLM NJE TAL TOL 102nd 180 [243]

Notes edit

  1. ^ Franchitti rejected suggestions made on motorsport websites that money was a factor in the move.[69]
  2. ^ Negotiations stalled in late September 2007 because of Franchitti's obligations to AGR and an early release was not agreed upon.[101]
  3. ^ He did not enter the 2008 Indianapolis 500 since it was not part of CGR's plans for him in 2008.[104]
  4. ^ James Courtney was due to be Franchitti's teammate until Courtney became a championship contender.[180]
  5. ^ Talks with Prodrive owner David Richards about driving a Aston Martin DBR9 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans did not result in a drive due to IndyCar scheduling conflicts.[185]
  6. ^ "The Brat Pack" name was derived from the Frank Sinatra-led Rat Pack group of entertainers who enlivened the 1950 and 1960's Hollywood party scene.[203]

References edit

  1. ^ "This Week in Automotive History: May 14–20". Hagerty. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e MacAskill & McLeish 2005, pp. 167–168.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Dario Franchitti". Newsmakers. Vol. 1. 3 June 2014. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Gale In Context: Biography.
  4. ^ a b Longmore, Andrew (17 April 1999). "Motor racing: Interview – Dario Franchitti: Super Dario driven by the twin forces of ancestry". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  5. ^ Collings, Timothy (9 October 1998). "Franchitti on road to riches". The Daily Telegraph. p. 46. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  6. ^ a b c Duffy, Marisa (31 January 2015). "Dario Franchitti talks about that crash, being single again and moving back to Scotland". The Herald. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  7. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 24, 188.
  8. ^ a b Drysdale 2008, pp. 24–26.
  9. ^ a b Drysdale 2008, pp. 22–23.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Taylor 2013, pp. 93–94.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Dario Franchitti". Championship Auto Racing Teams. Archived from the original on 12 December 2002. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  12. ^ "The west of Lothian question: An interview with Bathgates's hero Dario Franchitti". The Scotsman. 6 December 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  13. ^ "Young racers in action". Carmarthen Journal. 8 May 1991. p. 32. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  14. ^ a b c d e Hallberry, Andy; Watkins, Gary (5 December 2013). "Franchitti: Britain's best-kept secret superstar" (PDF). Autosport. 214 (10): 16–23. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Porsche Cars History.
  15. ^ a b "Dario Enjoys Life in the Fast Lane!". Lothian Courier. 25 December 1992. p. 36. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  16. ^ a b c Taylor 2013, pp. 105–107.
  17. ^ "Dario races home". Lothian Courier. 23 July 1993. p. 35. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  18. ^ "Dario races to title win: Young driver triumphs at Brands Hatch". Lothian Courier. 27 August 1993. p. 48. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  19. ^ "Shunt wrecks Gavin's hopes". Kent and Sussex Courier. 10 September 1993. p. 15. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  20. ^ "1993 Championship Results". Speedfreaks. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  21. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 36–39.
  22. ^ a b Taylor 2013, p. 95–96.
  23. ^ "Dario dazzles". Heartland Evening News. 31 March 1994. p. 29. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  24. ^ Reid, Alasdair (10 July 1994). "Formula for success; Dario Franchitti". The Sunday Times. p. 29. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Gale Academic OneFile.
  25. ^ "Race Results: Race Marlboro Masters of Formula 3" (PDF). Nederlandse Autorensport Vereniging. 7 August 1994. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  26. ^ Girard, Lambot & Newsome 1998, p. 188.
  27. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 40–42.
  28. ^ Holder, Jim (20 August 1999). "Franchitti finds fast track to F1". The Daily Telegraph. p. 44. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  29. ^ Holt, Oliver (26 August 1995). "Ambitions of a Flying Scot". The Times. No. 65356. p. 12. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023 – via The Times Digital Archive.
  30. ^ Henry, Alan (8 July 1995). "Best-chance saloon for Franchitti". The Guardian. p. 21. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  31. ^ a b c d e "Dario Franchitti race results". TouringCars.net. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au "Dario Franchitti". Motor Sport. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  33. ^ a b Drysdale 2008, pp. 43–44.
  34. ^ Harris, Mike (10 July 1997). "Franchitti, Hogan author unlikely success story". Journal & Courier. Associated Press. p. B3. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  35. ^ "Franchitti stays calm". The Daily Telegraph. 4 March 1997. p. 33. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  36. ^ McGran, Kevin (20 July 1997). "Franchitti takes pole in Toronto". Montreal Gazette. The Canadian Press. p. B6. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  37. ^ Garrett, Jeremy (May 1998). "Chasing Dario". Car & Driver. 43 (11): 174. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via EBSCO.
  38. ^ "Franchitti is driven out". The Daily Telegraph. 24 September 1997. p. 35. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  39. ^ Proudfoot, Dan (16 October 1997). "Racers Tracy, Franchitti feel Green team is Kool". Financial Post. p. 76. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  40. ^ Kallmann, Dave (17 August 1998). "Texaco/Havoline 200: Franchitti cruises to his first victory Margin over Zanardi is more than 7 seconds". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. p. 1. ProQuest 260771993 – via ProQuest.
  41. ^ Harris, Mike (7 September 1998). "Franchitti wins again, but Zanardi gets title". The Indianapolis News. Associated Press. p. C2. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  42. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 49–50.
  43. ^ Drysdale 2008, p. 55.
  44. ^ Drysdale 2008, p. 58.
  45. ^ Grange, Michael (15 January 1999). "Franchitti looking for brake this year Driver sets goal of CART title after mechanical failure cost him Molson Indy in 1998". The Globe and Mail. p. S5. ProQuest 384536990 – via ProQuest.
  46. ^ McGill, Jim (21 December 1998). "Franchitti stalls F1 offers until 2001". The Scotsman. p. 32. ProQuest 326714567 – via ProQuest.
  47. ^ "Dario F1 bid a non-starter". Daily Record. 7 August 1998. p. 62. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  48. ^ Hunston, Hugh (12 December 1998). "Franchitti's only target is to lead from the F1 front". The Herald. p. 12. ProQuest 332609348 – via ProQuest.
  49. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 72, 75, 87–88.
  50. ^ Miller, Robin (31 October 1999). "Franchitti can sew up title, but Montoya still has a shot". The Indianapolis Star. p. C7. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  51. ^ a b Kirby, Gordon (January 2000). "CART: Montoya? Franchitti? Or both?". Road & Track. 51 (5): 122. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via EBSCO.
  52. ^ Miller, Robin (11 February 2000). "Franchitti is feeling better". The Indianapolis Star. p. C7. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  53. ^ a b Nichols, Pete (20 March 2000). "Broken bones cannot quell Franchitti's drive". The Guardian. p. 7. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  54. ^ Taylor 2013, p. 108.
  55. ^ Smith, Luke (17 August 2016). "Franchitti: Concussion from Homestead crash 'completely changed' personality". NBC Sports. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  56. ^ Ballard, Steve (1 March 2000). "Franchitti remains driven toward title despite aches, pains". USA Today. p. 05C. ProQuest 408782132 – via ProQuest.
  57. ^ Feschuk, Dave (12 July 2000). "A rough season of setbacks". National Post. p. B14. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  58. ^ Hunston, Hugh (2 December 2000). "Scottish engineer bids to get Franchitti's career back on track". The Herald. p. 10. ProQuest 332778409 – via ProQuest.
  59. ^ Phillips, David (30 August 2000). "Team Green Re-sign Tracy and Franchitti". Speedvision. Archived from the original on 3 March 2001. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  60. ^ "Franchitti wins on fumes at Cleveland". Pocono Record. Associated Press. 2 July 2001. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  61. ^ McKay, Peter (19 August 2001). "Franchitti shuts door on F1 move; The Inside Line". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 58. ProQuest 367364587 – via ProQuest.
  62. ^ Beamish, Mike (29 July 2002). "That's what friends are for: Franchitti dedicates second Vancouver win to Moore". Vancouver Sun. p. D1. ProQuest 242535890 – via ProQuest.
  63. ^ Phillips, Randy (26 August 2002). "The maple leaf forever: Franchitti makes it a clean career sweep of Canadian CART races". Montreal Gazette. p. D1. ProQuest 433848255 – via ProQuest.
  64. ^ Miller, Robin (14 September 2002). "Popular Win for Dario". Championship Auto Racing Teams. Archived from the original on 20 September 2002. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  65. ^ Ballard, Steve (5 February 2002). "Franchitti, Tracy get rides for Indy 500". The Indianapolis Star. p. D1. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  66. ^ Fogarty, Mark (3 April 2002). "Brickyard thrills Franchitti ; Team Green driver gets his first taste of famous racetrack". USA Today. p. C02. ProQuest 408919838 – via ProQuest.
  67. ^ Johnson, Tim (27 May 2002). "Indy 500 woe for Franchitti and Team Green". The Herald. p. 5. ProQuest 332827839 – via ProQuest.
  68. ^ "Franchitti weighs up his options". Autosport. 11 September 2002. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  69. ^ a b McIntyre, Gordon (18 September 2002). "'It's not about money'". The Province. p. A59. Archived from the original on 5 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  70. ^ a b Tuttle, Tim (November 2007). "Win and out". Motor Sport. 83 (11): 86–87. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  71. ^ McGill, Jim (1 March 2003). "Franchitti hoping to 'hustle' his way to Indy Racing title". Edinburgh Evening News. p. 8. ProQuest 327704408 – via ProQuest.
  72. ^ a b Anderson, Lars (25 November 2013). "The Case for ... Dario Franchitti". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  73. ^ a b Drysdale 2008, pp. 111–113.
  74. ^ a b Wilson, Phillip B. (20 June 2003). "IRL's Franchitti chooses surgery, out for season". The Indianapolis Star. pp. D1, D8. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  75. ^ "Franchitti out after surgery". ESPN. Associated Press. 26 June 2003. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  76. ^ "Franchitti inks Andretti deal for '04". Autoweek. 17 November 2003. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  77. ^ Lewandowski, Dave (12 April 2004). "Franchitti Seeking Positive Results On The Track". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 8 May 2004. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  78. ^ "Kanaan beats teammate Franchitti in Texas race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 13 June 2004. p. C11. ProQuest 402409467 – via ProQuest.
  79. ^ "Franchitti, ArcaEx, Win Indy Racing League (IRL) IndyCar® Series Menards A.J. Foyt Indy 225 at Milwaukee". The Auto Channel. 25 June 2004. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  80. ^ "Franchitti wins Honda Indy 225". United Press International. 22 August 2004. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  81. ^ "Franchitti signs one-year extension". Barrie Examiner. Associated Press. 13 January 2005. p. B1. ProQuest 352656370 – via ProQuest.
  82. ^ "Franchitti to stay with AGR". Autosport. 28 November 2004. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  83. ^ "Franchitti Captures Firestone Indy 200". The Washington Post. 17 July 2005. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  84. ^ Redmayne, Tim (16 October 2005). "Franchitti Wins Indy 400 Thriller". Autosport. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  85. ^ Cavin, Curt (4 June 2007). "Gas in the Tank: One week later, Indy winner Dario Franchitti plans to keep his foot planted". Autoweek. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  86. ^ Walker, Teresa M. (20 July 2006). "Blue days for Green". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  87. ^ Kallmann, Dave (22 July 2006). "Indy Racing League; Tough times, indeed; Andretti Green searches for first victory of season". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. p. C1. ProQuest 263638687 – via ProQuest.
  88. ^ Cavin, Curt (11 May 2006). "Frustration builds for Franchitti". The Indianapolis Star. pp. D1, D10. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  89. ^ RabJohns, Jeff (29 May 2006). "Franchitti frustrated". The Indianapolis Star. p. R16. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  90. ^ Cavin, Curt (6 September 2006). "Younger Foyt to drive for Andretti: A.J. IV gets the seat after Franchitti sustains concussion in vintage car race crash". The Indianapolis Star. p. D2. ProQuest 240842668 – via ProQuest.
  91. ^ Lewandowski, Dave (3 January 2007). "The Franchitti factor; Seasoned, winning driver completes Andretti Green Racing lineup for '07". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  92. ^ Hinton, Ed (28 May 2007). "Franchitti steals show". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  93. ^ Lewandoski, Dave (3 June 2007). "Streaking Franchitti; Points leader hopes his '500' mementos can remain retired". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 14 November 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  94. ^ Meredith, Luke (25 June 2007). "Franchitti wins 1st Corn Indy" (PDF). The Daily Iowan. Associated Press. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  95. ^ Schwarb, John (1 July 2007). "Franchitti's dominating run at Richmond one of a kind". ESPN. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  96. ^ Tays, Alan (8 September 2007). "Franchitti, Dixon Neck and Neck". The Palm Beach Post. p. C13. ProQuest 327360478 – via ProQuest.
  97. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 168–169.
  98. ^ Mejia, Diego (19 August 2007). "Childress interested in Franchitti". Autosport. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  99. ^ Drysdale 2008, pp. 177–183, 194.
  100. ^ Fryer, Jenna (4 October 2007). "Franchitti Makes Move to NASCAR, Signs Deal with Ganassi". The Ledger. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  101. ^ Mejia, Diego (26 September 2007). "Franchitti's NASCAR plans on hold". Autosport. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  102. ^ Caldwell, Dave (21 May 2009). "His Nascar Career Over, Dario Franchitti Is Roaring Back at Indy". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  103. ^ Taylor 2013, pp. 109–110.
  104. ^ Blount, Terry (17 April 2008). "Franchitti, Hornish concentrating on NASCAR, won't race in Indy 500". ESPN. Archived from the original on 28 April 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  105. ^ Fabrizio, Tony (4 October 2007). "Indy Champ Franchitti Joins NASCAR". The Tampa Tribune. p. 3. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Gale General OneFile.
  106. ^ "Franchitti finishes 17th, learns lessons in first ARCA race". ESPN. Associated Press. 6 October 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  107. ^ "Trucks: Franchitti Enters Martinsville". Speed. 9 October 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  108. ^ Graves, Gary; Ryan, Nate (20 October 2007). "Franchitti, Villeneuve crash as Skinner wins truck race". USA Today. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  109. ^ "Franchitti slated to make Busch debut in Sam's Town 250". ESPN. Associated Press. 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  110. ^ a b "Dario Franchitti – 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  111. ^ a b c "Dario Franchitti – 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  112. ^ Mejia, Diego (1 July 2008). "Franchitti loses NASCAR Cup drive". Autosport. Archived from the original on 3 July 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  113. ^ Peltz, Jim (22 June 2008). "Sprint Cup success has eluded Ganassi team". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  114. ^ "Ganassi Shuts Down No. 40 Sprint Cup Team Driven By Franchitti". Sports Business Journal. 2 July 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  115. ^ "2008 ARCA 200 at Daytona". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  116. ^ a b "Dario Franchitti – 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  117. ^ Mejia, Diego (10 August 2008). "Franchitti fifth on Nationwide return". Autosport. Archived from the original on 13 August 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  118. ^ Drysdale 2008, p. 203.
  119. ^ Blount, Terry (26 April 2008). "Franchitti out of Talladega Cup race after breaking ankle in Nationwide race". ESPN. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  120. ^ Keith, Bryan Davis (26 June 2008). "NASCAR Sprint Cup Teams Need Consistency in Their Drivers". Frontstretch. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  121. ^ Minter, Rick (2 October 2008). "Franchitti's quick shifts avert stalls". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. C1. ProQuest 337515674 – via ProQuest.
  122. ^ McNulty, Dean (9 October 2008). "Franchitti's charmed life; Dean McNulty;". The Kingston Whig-Standard. p. E13. ProQuest 2193100877 – via ProQuest.
  123. ^ Drysdale 2008, p. 214.
  124. ^ Blount, Terry (14 May 2009). "Franchitti back where he belongs". ESPN. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  125. ^ Cavin, Curt (3 September 2008). "Franchitti in, Wheldon out at Ganassi: Scotsman to return to IndyCar in '09; Englishman moves to Panther". The Indianapolis Star. p. D1. ProQuest 240987899 – via ProQuest.
  126. ^ Dottore, Damian (19 April 2009). "Franchitti finally breaks through in Long Beach". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  127. ^ Miller, Jane (22 June 2009). "Car, driver form tough duo at Iowa". Peoria Journal Star. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  128. ^ "Franchitti is on top after Dixon's victory". SFGATE. 28 June 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  129. ^ Kelly, Kevin (5 August 2009). "Ganassi's No. 1 ... and 2: Sparta – Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti are friends who enjoy a good laugh together, and their pairing this year on the Target Chip Ganassi Racing team has been a rousing success". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. D10. ProQuest 237632199 – via ProQuest.
  130. ^ Lankof, Bill (13 July 2009). "Canada's hopes wrecked; Auto Racing: Dario Franchitti avoids trouble on the Toronto street course to win the Honda Indy after Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy falter". The London Free Press. p. B1. ProQuest 2210183226 – via ProQuest.
  131. ^ Pashelka, Curtis (23 August 2009). "Wire-to-wire victory for Franchitti at Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  132. ^ Oreovicz, John (7 October 2009). "Hands down, 2009 one of Dario's best". ESPN. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  133. ^ Martin, Bruce (12 October 2009). "Franchitti returns to title throne in a moving, inspirational journey". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  134. ^ "IndyCar Driver Is Close to Joining Exclusive Club". The New York Times. Associated Press. 27 March 2010. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  135. ^ Vega, Michael (31 May 2010). "Franchitti coasts to victory". Boston Globe. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  136. ^ Alexander, Elton (9 August 2010). "Victory proves to be the pits for Dario Franchitti at Mid-Ohio". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  137. ^ Martin, Bruce (28 August 2010). "Franchitti takes advantage of Power failure, tightens points race". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  138. ^ "Franchitti Clinches A. J. Foyt Award". Autoweek. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  139. ^ a b Oreovicz, John (5 October 2010). "No disputing Franchitti's greatness now". ESPN. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  140. ^ Kaminski, Steve (6 October 2010). "Dario Franchitti's toppling of Will Power for IndyCar title nothing short of scripted beauty". The Grand Rapids Press. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  141. ^ "Franchitti Begins Repeat Bid Winning At St. Pete". Racin' Today. 27 March 2011. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  142. ^ Hutchens, Terry (29 May 2011). "2011 IndyCar Series Recap". The Indianapolis Star. p. R11. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  143. ^ Hawkins, Stephen (11 June 2011). "Franchitti wins first of dual IndyCar Texas races". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  144. ^ Kallmann, Dave (19 June 2011). "Franchitti wins Milwaukee 225 as rivals falter". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  145. ^ "Franchitti survives crashes to win third title at Honda Indy". CTV News. The Canadian Press. 10 July 2011. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  146. ^ Brewer, Ray (14 October 2011). "IndyCar racers competing for millions Sunday at Las Vegas track". McClatchy – Tribune Business News. ProQuest 898185263 – via ProQuest.
  147. ^ a b Marshall, John (20 October 2011). "Dan Wheldon's death overshadows Dario Franchitti's Izod IndyCar Series championship". The Republican. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  148. ^ Beer, Matt (27 November 2012). "Dario Franchitti: IndyCar title defence a painful season". Autosport. Archived from the original on 27 November 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  149. ^ McNulty, Dean (5 July 2012). "Dario Franchitti ; Can Dario turn his season around in Toronto?". Toronto Sun. p. H28. ProQuest 2229984166 – via ProQuest.
  150. ^ Caldwell, Dave (27 May 2012). "Rival's Gamble Ends in Crash, and Third Win for Franchitti". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  151. ^ Cavin, Curt (11 April 2013). "Franchitti will be battling from behind". The Indianapolis Star. p. C2. ProQuest 1326194707 – via ProQuest.
  152. ^ a b c d Sturbin, John (7 October 2013). "Franchitti Undergoes Surgery". Racin' Today. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  153. ^ a b Fryer, Jenna (6 October 2013). "Dario Franchitti facing another surgery after IndyCar wreck". Autoweek. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  154. ^ a b Olson, Jeff; Ryan, Nate; Cavin, Curt (6 October 2013). "Franchitti breaks back, has surgery after crash that injures fans". USA Today. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  155. ^ Peltz, Jim (10 October 2013). "IndyCar's Dario Franchitti released from hospital following crash". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  156. ^ "IndyCar: Dario Franchitti has 2nd surgery on broken right ankle". The Indianapolis Star. Associated Press. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  157. ^ "Dario Franchitti discharged from hospital after surgery". National Post. WENN. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  158. ^ Cavin, Curt (19 December 2013). "Dario Franchitti explains difficult decision to retire". USA Today. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  159. ^ Fryer, Jenna (14 November 2013). "IndyCar star Franchitti retires month after crash". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 15 November 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  160. ^ Mair, George (16 April 2015). "Dario Franchitti's memory problems after GP crash". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 10 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  161. ^ Meyers, Naila-Jean (28 March 2014). "Forced to Slow Down, Dario Franchitti Adjusts to Adviser Role". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  162. ^ Bonkowski, Jerry (21 July 2021). "Dario Franchitti Has Special Feelings for Upcoming IndyCar race at Nashville". Autoweek. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  163. ^ Roberts, Daniel (27 March 2014). "Dario Franchitti talks business, IndyCar's future, and the crash that ended his racing career". Fortune. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  164. ^ "Dario delays rally debut". Liverpool Echo. 5 June 1999. p. 12. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  165. ^ Lewis & Lewis 2000, pp. 28, 32–33, 78.
  166. ^ "Franchitti's Jaguar F1 test". Drive. 3 October 2016. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  167. ^ "Daytona 24: Citgo Racing No. 2 race report". motorsport.com. 7 February 2005. Archived from the original on 18 December 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  168. ^ "CITGO, SAMAX, Duno, Franchitti, McGarrity for Rolex 24". The Auto Channel. 3 January 2006. Archived from the original on 16 August 2007. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  169. ^ "Citgo/Samax – Rolex 24 final" (Press release). SAMAX Motorsport. 29 January 2006. Archived from the original on 16 January 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  170. ^ "Acura Sports Car Debut Proves To Be Sensational With Victory In Legendary 12 Hours Of Sebring". Acura News. 19 March 2007. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  171. ^ "Herta, Franchitti: Green-flag stop stuffed us". Crash. 15 April 2007. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  172. ^ "Third straight Daytona win for Chip Ganassi's team". The New York Times. 28 January 2008. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  173. ^ English, Steven (17 September 2008). "Franchitti to enter Petit Le Mans". Autosport. Archived from the original on 20 September 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  174. ^ "ALMS: Audi Claims Dramatic Petit Le Mans Victory". Speed. 5 October 2008. Archived from the original on 9 October 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  175. ^ "Brumos Porsche smokes Ganassi Lexus to win Rolex24". AutoRacing1. 25 January 2009. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  176. ^ "Lowe's Fernandez Takes Acura To Winner's Circle With An Impressive LMP2 Class Win At 12 Hours Of Sebring". Honda. 22 March 2009. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  177. ^ "Building A New Acura And Finishing Sixth". The Auto Channel. 27 September 2009. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  178. ^ "Runner-up Finish for No.01 TELMEX/Target DP Leads CGRFS at Rolex 24 At Daytona". Chip Ganassi Racing. 31 January 2010. Archived from the original on 19 September 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  179. ^ a b c d e "Complete Archive of Dario Franchitti". Racing Sports Cars. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  180. ^ a b Dale, Will (7 November 2020). "Saturday Sleuth: The Franchitti Falcon". V8 Sleuth. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  181. ^ "Dario: GC600 to be greatest touring car race". Speedcafe. 30 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  182. ^ "Ganassi's One-Two Rolex 24 Finish Completes Chip Slam". The Auto Channel. 31 January 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  183. ^ "Champions! Scott Tucker, Level 5 Earn Third Consecutive ALMS Title With Petit Le Mans Win". Level 5 Motorsports. 22 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  184. ^ "Grand Am Rolex – Ganassi Notches Fifth Daytona Win". The Auto Channel. 28 January 2013. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  185. ^ Smith, Sam (27 December 2021). "Robbed of Porsche win, Franchitti finally got Le Mans debut". The Race. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  186. ^ Chapman, Simon (9 May 2020). "Franchitti reveals Webber's influence in ill-fated Porsche deal". Speedcafe. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  187. ^ Adam, Mitchell (14 January 2017). "IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti had 2015 Porsche LMP1 Le Mans drive". Autosport. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  188. ^ a b Widdows, Rob (February 2022). "Dario Franchitti: The Motor Sport Interview". Motor Sport. 98 (1157): 55–61. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  189. ^ Hall, Sam (14 February 2017). "Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti: 'I was just happy to be alive'". Autoweek. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  190. ^ Tobin, Dominic (15 August 2019). "Dario Franchitti announces return to racing at the Goodwood Revival". Motor Sport. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
    Thomson, Laura (15 August 2019). "Indy 500 legend Dario Franchitti to return to racing at the Goodwood Revival". Goodwood Road & Racing. Archived from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  191. ^ Connolly, Eoin (19 April 2010). "Dario Franchitti signs to endorse TW Steel". SportsPro. Archived from the original on 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  192. ^ Smith, Susan (1 November 2016). "Racing driver comes out of retirement for Edinburgh homeless". Third Force News. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  193. ^ Keilloh, Graham (6 November 2019). "IndyCar legend Franchitti to race Mazda MX-5 in Race of Remembrance". Autosport. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  194. ^ "Late Show with David Letterman". epguides. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  195. ^ "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson". epguides. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  196. ^ Byrne, Peter (29 September 2001). "Super Dario". The Scotsman. p. 4. ProQuest 326994372 – via ProQuest.
  197. ^ Willis 2002, p. 44.
  198. ^ "Dario Franchitti" (in German). Fernsehserien.de. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  199. ^ Lewandowski, Dave (14 July 2013). "Consultant Franchitti sees to 'Turbo' racing realism". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  200. ^ "Dario Franchitti joins Formula E TV commentary team – video". Motorsport.com. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  201. ^ "Mission Ignition – Howard and Dario interview". Channel 4. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  202. ^ Pruett, Marshall (4 January 2022). "Inside Dario Franchitti's Development Work on the Analog GMA T.50". Road & Track. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  203. ^ a b c Drysdale 2008, pp. 61–63, 68, 93–94.
  204. ^ Olson, Jeff (29 January 2013). "Ashley Judd, Dario Franchitti announce plan to divorce". USA Today. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  205. ^ Calabro, Dave (9 May 2014). "At home with Dario Franchitti". WTHR. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  206. ^ "Dario Franchitti's ex Ashley Judd is godmother to his child by new wife". AutoRacing1. 21 January 2019. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  207. ^ Craske, David (6 February 2019). "Fast Six: What's Trending In IndyCar; Four-time champion, three-time Indy 500 winner, two-time dad". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  208. ^ a b "Dario Franchitti". Gale Biography Online Collection. 3 June 2010. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Gale In Context: Biography.
  209. ^ Beer, Matt; O'Leary, Jamie (5 December 2010). "British Comp. Driver: D. Franchitti". Autosport. Archived from the original on 9 December 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  210. ^ "Greg Moore award". The Windsor Star. 11 October 2001. p. F7. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com  .
  211. ^ "MSPs slam Dario 'snub'". The Scotsman. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  212. ^ Freeman, Glenn (2 December 2007). "Gregor Grant: Dario Franchitti". Autosport. Archived from the original on 9 December 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  213. ^ "BRDC Annual Awards 2009". British Racing Drivers' Club. December 2009. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  214. ^ "Dario Franchitti, b. 1973. Racing Driver". Scottish National Gallery. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  215. ^ "No. 60895". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 June 2014. p. B19.
  216. ^ Thomas, Jim (10 April 2014). "Dario Franchitti speeds onto Long Beach's Motorsports Walk of Fame". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on 1 June 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  217. ^ Malsher-Lopez, David (20 May 2017). "Franchitti, McLaren elected to Hall of Fame at IMS Museum". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  218. ^ Robinson, Mark (15 March 2019). "Franchitti, Stewart awed by Motorsports Hall of Fame America inductions". IndyCar Series. Archived from the original on 20 March 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  219. ^ "Dario Franchitti MBE inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame". Motorsport UK. 8 December 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  220. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2010 V8 Supercars Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  221. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 1997 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  222. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 1998 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  223. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 1999 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  224. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2000 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  225. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2001 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  226. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2002 CART Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  227. ^ a b c d e f "Dario Franchitti". Champ Car Stats. Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  228. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2002 Indy Racing League Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  229. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2003 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  230. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2004 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  231. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2005 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  232. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2006 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  233. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2007 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  234. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2008 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  235. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2009 IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  236. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  237. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  238. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  239. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Results". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  240. ^ a b c "Dario Franchitti Results". Motorsport Stats. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  241. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  242. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2007 ARCA Re/Max Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  243. ^ "Dario Franchitti – 2008 ARCA Re/Max Series Results". Racing-Reference. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2023.

Bibliography edit

External links edit

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Sam Hornish Jr.
Scott Dixon
IRL IndyCar Series Champion
2007
2009, 2010, 2011
Succeeded by
Achievements
Preceded by Indianapolis 500 Winner
2007
2010
2012
Succeeded by
Awards
Preceded by McLaren Autosport BRDC Award
1992
Succeeded by
Preceded by Autosport
British Club Driver of the Year

1993
Succeeded by
Preceded by Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year

1998
Succeeded by
Preceded by Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year

2010
Succeeded by