Franchitti hoping for Indy500 double

Two years after he emulated his hero, double Formula One world champ Jim Clark, by winning the Indianapolis 500, Bathgate’s Dario Franchitti bids this weekend to win America’s Blue Riband race for the second time.

And the 36-year-old Scot — who relishes the history of motorsport and, as in 2007 will start the race from the front row of the grid in third place — is fully aware of the significance of this year’s 500-mile race.

“This is the Centennial of Indianapolis and to be part of the Indy500 field any year is a privilege, but this year is extra special,” Franchitti, who will tackle the 200 laps of the 2.5-mile superspeedway in his Target Ganassi car, said today.

“Back in the very early days of the 500, drivers from Europe came here to race. Then, with the rear-engine revolution in the Sixties, racers like Jack Brabham from Australia, Graham Hill, Jimmy Clark and Jackie Stewart came over. 

“For me to be contesting a famous race which over the years has attracted the best racers of their generations is very special for me and to follow in their footsteps is a definitely a privilege.”

While Penske duo, Brazilian Helio Castroneves and Aussie Ryan Briscoe, start Sunday’s race from the front two slots of the three-abreast, 33-car grid, Franchitti knows his qualifying speed of 224.010mph makes him a serious contender.

“I’m definitely in with a shout,” the Scot continued. “The main thing is I’ve qualified up front and my aim has to be to stay there as much as possible during the race. But you can never take anything for granted at Indy.  

“As a track, it’s just incredibly difficult. The cars run with so little downforce and we’re right on the edge all the time. When it’s cold on-track, it’s deceptively easy to run, but when the wind kicks up and the temperatures start to elevate, the place becomes like a skating rink.  

“It’s the big race to win; the career changer and I will never forget my victory at Indy in 2007. Here’s hoping I can live the dream again and win on Sunday.”

JM 

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