The Multi-Talented Dario Franchitti

From the outside, Dario Franchitti seems to be just another success story and hero to many. But this racing driver has a special quality about him and the ability to achieve. He had a magnificent racing career in CART and IndyCar, and is now moving to another popular auto racing sport, NASCAR. Dario Franchitti has become a favorite amongst fans, on and off the racetracks, as his down-to-earth mannerisms and his humility are respected and admired.

Born in Bathgate, Scotland, on 19 May 1973, Dario Franchitti started his racing career in the kart arena. He proved that he was naturally talented at driving by winning the 1984 Scottish Junior Championship. After winning the British Junior Championships consecutively in 1985 and again in 1986, it was only a matter of time before he moved onto bigger things. By 2007, Dario Franchitti found himself signing with the Andretti Green Racing Team for his tenth season. It would be a season of nail-biting action and victory. During his 2007 season, Franchitti had managed to survive two auto racing crashes, win the Indianapolis 500, win the 2007 IRL Championship and end 1st in the points rankings.

But since September, rumors and speculation grew over the possibility that Chip Ganassi Racing would approach Franchitti to join them for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. On the 3rd of October, Dario Franchitti confirmed everyone’s suspicions and announced that he would be driving the #40 Dodge Avenger full-time next year. Even though his move was expected, his IndyCar fans and supporters will sorely miss him. Franchitti is a magnificently skilled driver and he is anticipated to ease his way into the NASCAR industry as well as his teammate, Juan Pablo Montoya, did during his transition. Dario Franchitti’s first challenge as a Chip Ganassi Racing team driver will be the stock car development program.

At home, however, Franchitti spends his time reading, working out, piloting his helicopter and spending time with his world famous wife, Ashley Judd. But one thing is for certain – his past is only a glimpse of what is to come. He is a racing driver that excels in every form of auto racing, and it is predicted that he will take NASCAR to the next level. His dedication to the sport and determination to achieve will definitely see him conquering NASCAR championships in the future.