Two-time IZOD INDYCAR Champion, DARIO FRANCHITTI of Scotland/Chip Ganassi Racing won a drama-filled 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday. He and the other top contenders were slicing and dicing the last twenty laps, which saw the last two cautions of the race.
This is his third Indy 500 victory, and when he drank the milk, he also poured it over himself, a la DAN WHELDON when he won last year. He dedicated it to the Speedway and Wheldon.
Franchitti survived a nose contact with E.J. VISO of Venezuela/KVR Technology Chevrolet. The Stewards later determined Viso would not be penalized, that it was ‘just racing’.
Franchitti’s teammate, SCOTT DIXON of New Zealand finished second, followed by almost winner, TONY KANAAN of Brazil/KVR Technology Chevrolet. During his post-race pit lane interviews, Kanaan sported white sun glasses, reminiscent of his buddy Wheldon.
Kanaan said he was sure Wheldon was looking down and seeing his three friends finishing 1-2-3.
There was a record of 35 lead changes among ten drivers! Seventeen drivers finished on the lead lap.
The highest temperature during the race was 91 degrees F, one degree lower than the previous record. This was from the official weather service. But … the day has not ended. The sun came out and shone on the victory, after being clouded over for much of the race.
Fourth and fifth were ORIOL SERVIA of Spain/Panther/Dreyer Reinbold Racing Chevrolet, and pole sitter, RYAN BRISCOE of Australia/Team Penske Racing.
more to follow