Scottish racing driver Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 for the third time in his career last night in what proved to be an exciting and incredibly emotional race. With a record 35 lead-changes during the race, it was the most closely fought race in Indianapolis history.
The Indy 500 is one of the biggest events events in motorsport dating back to 1911 and always draws massive crowds – it is said to be the biggest single-day sporting event in the world in terms of spectator attendance. British drivers have had great success at the Indy 500 winning 5 of the last 8 races, and with Dario's win yesterday British drivers have won the last three years in a row.
Franchitti dedicated his win to the late British driver Dan Wheldon, who won the race last year, but was tragically killed in the final race of the season in Las Vegas last year. Dario said:
“The emotion any time is incredible here, but the emotion of coming here and celebrating Dan (Wheldon) – and seeing what he did last year, and the reaction of the fans from him, is even more incredible. I want to dedicate this to Dan. He was looking out for us today.”
Dario Franchitti is the most successful British driver in U.S. open-wheel history and a fine example of everything a sports person should be, he is a perfect gentlemen and an ambassador for both our nation and motor racing in general. Give this guy the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award already!!!
Dario wore Oakley sunglasses to accept his trophy and the traditional bottle of milk for winning the race (pictured above). He was also seen wearing Oakley Holbrook sunglasses before the race (below).
I thought this picture of Dario and wife Ashley Judd with teammate Scott Dixon and his wife Emma Davies was great, so I had to include it below. Check out the dog.
See the closing stages of the race in this video below.