Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti (born 19 May 1973) is a Scottish racing driver. He is best known for winning the IndyCar Series championship four times (in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011). He won the Indianapolis 500 three times. He most recently drove for Chip Ganassi Racing. He won three of his four championships while driving for that team. Franchitti has also driven in NASCAR and sportscar races. In 2013, he retired from racing after he was hurt in a crash during a race.
Biography
Franchitti was born on 19 May 1973 in Bathgate, Scotland. He began racing as a young boy. In 1996, he ran in the DTM series for Mercedes-Benz. He moved to CART racing in 1997. He drove for Hogan Racing in 1997. Franchitti finished a strong second place in 1999. In 2000, he thought about moving to the Jaguar Formula One team, but stayed in IndyCar racing. At this time he was driving for Andretti Autosport.
In 2003, Franchitti moved to the Indy Racing League (now IndyCar). He had to miss much of the year after he was injured in a motorcycle accident. Dan Wheldon replaced Franchitti at a race in Japan.
2007 was Franchitti's most successful season so far. He won the Indianapolis 500 and the series title.
Franchitti spent 2008 in NASCAR with Chip Ganassi Racing. He had some strong results, but he had a difficult season and decided to return to IndyCar. (IndyCar had merged with ChampCar in 2008.) He drove for Ganassi's IndyCar team, where he replaced Wheldon.
The 2009 season was very successful for Franchitti. He won the title over his teammate Scott Dixon and Penske driver Ryan Briscoe after winning the final race in Miami.
In 2010, Franchitti had a long battle with Australian driver Will Power. Franchitti won his second straight title.
Franchitti won again in 2011 after another battle with Power. His longtime friend Dan Wheldon was killed in a massive crash at the last race of the season in Las Vegas.
Franchitti did not have as much success in 2012 or 2013. He did win the Indianapolis 500 in 2012. During the 2013 Houston Grand Prix, a crash happened when he was racing in a difficult part of the course. Franchitti and several fans were seriously injured. Franchitti retired from racing after this crash. He is still involved with racing. He will drive the pace car for the 2014 Indianapolis 500. His place at the Ganassi team was taken by Tony Kanaan.
Personal life
Franchitti married American actress Ashley Judd in December 2001.[1] The couple broke up in 2013.[2]
Dario Franchitti Media
Franchitti competing in the 1995 International Touring Car Series round at Donington Park
Franchitti racing for Team Green in the 2002 Sure for Men Rockingham 500
Franchitti after qualifying for the 2006 Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway
Franchitti practising for the 2007 Indianapolis 500
Franchitti driving the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge Charger in the 2007 Ford 300
Franchitti driving in the 2008 Daytona 500
Franchitti celebrating his victory in the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto
Franchitti during qualifying for the 2010 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
Franchitti competing in the 2011 Indy Japan: The Final
Franchitti at the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
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References
- ↑ Young, C. (14 December 2001). "Week in Review: Winona Busted; Ashley Gets Married". Us Weekly. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,623233,00.html. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
- ↑ Jordan, Julie (29 January 2013). "Ashley Judd Splits from Husband Dario Franchitti". People. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20669270,00.html. Retrieved 30 January 2013.