Franchitti: I'm no legendposted in INDY14 | 10 | 2010
BATHGATE'S DARIO FRANCHITTI has always been one of the most self-deprecating, level-headed, no-nonsense guys in world motorsport, so it should come as no surprise to those who know him that he has laughed off talk that he has become "an IndyCar legend".
The 37-year-old Scot, who became only the fifth driver to win the Indy500 and IndyCar Championship double more than once, joins Indy greats Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Roger Ward and AJ Foyt in the list of drivers who have done the double twice.
But the Scot, who clinched the 2010 IndyCar title at Homestead earlier this month to add to the Indy500 in May, repeating the double he achieved in 2007 — he also won the IndyCar title in 2009 — admits he's amazed to be mentioned alongside them.
"I hear that kind of list and I hear these legends of the sport, and I don't feel part of that group, you know what I mean?" Franchitti (pictured with cousin, Paul di Resta)explained. " Of course I'm very proud of my achievements winning the three championships and the two Indianapolis 500s. But I kind of look on those guys and I don't feel part of that.
"There were a couple difficult years, too. But from 2007, it's all just clicked. I think when you figure out how to win one of these things, you've kind of got that knowledge to fall back on. I've been very lucky again to drive great equipment both in 2007, and certainly since I've joined Team Target Ganassi, and that all helps."
Franchitti is currently enjoying a well-deserved break, but he will return to action at Surfers Paradise in Australia when he contests a V8 Supercar event in a one-off outing. He'll then have a longer break before speaking with team boss Chip Ganassi and beginning work on his championship defence.
"I'm sure Chip and I will be getting together and we'll be talking about next year and where to improve," TW Steel ambassador Franchitti continued. "I suppose in some ways the good point is I'm already up for it. But I think I do need a couple of weeks off."
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Jim McGill