HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Dario Franchitti’s return to IndyCar racing couldn’t have gone better. He’s the IRL champion once again.
Franchitti successfully emerged from one of the closest points races in series history Saturday, winning the season-ending Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the first caution-free IRL race ever.
The 2007 champion — who skipped 2008 to explore NASCAR — held off Target Chip Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon and Penske Racing’s Ryan Briscoe.
“Congrats to him,” Briscoe said. “It hurts.”
So on the 10th day of the 10th month of the year, Franchitti’s No. 10 car reigned supreme over the IRL.
“I can’t believe it,” Franchitti said. “It all worked out.”
He sat back and saved fuel over much of the final 50 laps, and when his two fellow contenders pitted late, the title was his.
Franchitti finished with 616 points, 11 ahead of Dixon and 12 ahead of Briscoe. Tony Kanaan was fourth and Helio Castroneves fifth. The average speed of 201.420 mph was second in history, behind 207.151 at California in 2003.
Logano holds off Vickers
FONTANA, Calif. — Joey Logano avoided a late-race collision and held off Brian Vickers to win the NASCAR Nationwide Copart 300 at Auto Club Speedway for his fifth series victory of the season and second in two weeks.
Dixon tops in qualifying
DINWIDDIE, Va. — Larry Dixon cut into Tony Schumacher’s top fuel points leads with his fourth straight No. 1 qualifier in the NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Jack Beckman (funny car) and Mike Edwards (pro stock) were top qualifiers.
The Associated Press
