Franchitti Wins at Homestead, Secures 2nd IndyCar Title

Veni, vidi, vici! This is how one could resume Dario Franchitti's return to the Indycar Series after a failed experience in NASCAR. Leaving North America's Formula One-like series for the big bucks in stock car racing 2 years ago, the Scottish driver finally came to the conclusion that his success lies in the open-wheel racing series and not the most popular sport in the US.

At his very return to the series, the Ganassi driver took back what he had rightfully earned 2 years ago, namely the IndyCar title. The Scot needed a win in the season finale at Homestead-Miami to remain at the top of the table in the points classification, and he made use of a brilliant fuel-saving strategy to better his opponents for the title.

Although driving behind title rivals Scott Dixon (also Ganassi teammate) and Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske) for the majority of the race, Franchitti went for a risky 3-pit strategy, as compared to the two drivers' 4-pit plan. In addition to picking that strategy, Franchitti was also lucky enough to benefit from a caution-free race – without it, the 3-pit plan would have turned into a fiasco.

Therefore, while Dixon and Briscoe were exchanging places on top of the field, Franchitti sit back and enjoyed a decent 3rd place. Then, with only 55 laps remaining, the two leading drivers pitted for a new set of tires and refuel, while the Ganassi Scot waited for 5 more laps before he made his last stop.

That eventually brought him the lead in the race, as he put in less fuel and therefore left the pit box quicker than his rivals. He never let go of the lead until the finish line, which translated into his 2nd IndyCar title of career (7th overall for Ganassi Racing).

 He finished the season with an overall 616 points, 11 more than Dixon (who finished behind runner-up Ryan Briscoe at Homestead) and 12 more than Briscoe.

“When you look back at the season, I'm the luckiest owner in the paddock. I've got two great drivers; I've got a great sponsor – a great partner – in Target. Just everything goes together, and especially in these times,” said Franchitti, who also accepted the $10,000 Bosch Platinum Award and the champion's timepiece from Ritmo Mundo.

Despite being disappointed over his failed title defense this year, Dixon congratulated his teammate for the title. Both drivers gave scored 10 wins in 17 races this season.

“It's pretty frustrating because it was one of the best races I've ever run. I just hate it that it came down to fuel strategy. It's a whole championship. Dario has been great all year long, so congrats to him, but this hurts,” added Dixon.