Bathgate’s Dario Franchitti moved to within four points of IndyCar Championship leader Ryan Briscoe after claiming his fourth win of the season at Sonoma in California.
The 36-year-old scot, who started the 75-lap race from pole position, dominated the race in his Target Ganassi car to win comfortably from Aussie Briscoe in second place and Mike Conway in third.
“This win was crucial for the championship,” Franchitti, now who heads to the next round in Chicago this weekend confident of winning a second IndyCar Championship after his 2007 success, said.
“Starting from pole was important because it was almost impossible to overtake here. I did what I had to do, which was to stay in front. Now we have to maintain this form until the end of the year.”
Franchitti’s team-mate and defending champ Scott Dixon suffered a miserable race. The Kiwi, who started the race leading the championship, spun at the final corner and could only finish 13th.
JM