As a four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Dario Franchitti's name is synonymous with speed and success in the world of open-wheel racing. However, 13 years after his last IndyCar start, Franchitti has made an unexpected return to the track – this time in a NASCAR Truck. The Scottish driver will pilot a Toyota for TRICON Garage at the upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a new event supporting the IndyCar series. Franchitti's foray into NASCAR is a surprise, even to fans of the sport. While he briefly dabbled in stock car racing after his 2007 IndyCar championship, he returned to open-wheelers in time for the 2008 IndyCar finale. It's been nearly two decades since he last competed in a Cup Series or O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event. Franchitti's decision to return to racing in 2019, after being medically cleared, marked a new chapter in his career. However, ...
As a four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Dario Franchitti’s name is synonymous with speed and success in the world of open-wheel racing. However, 13 years after his last IndyCar start, Franchitti has made an unexpected return to the track – this time in a NASCAR Truck. The Scottish driver will pilot a Toyota for TRICON Garage at the upcoming Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a new event supporting the IndyCar series.
Franchitti’s foray into NASCAR is a surprise, even to fans of the sport. While he briefly dabbled in stock car racing after his 2007 IndyCar championship, he returned to open-wheelers in time for the 2008 IndyCar finale. It’s been nearly two decades since he last competed in a Cup Series or O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event. Franchitti’s decision to return to racing in 2019, after being medically cleared, marked a new chapter in his career. However, it appears his plans for a full-time NASCAR Cup Series schedule never materialized.
Instead, Franchitti has been focused on historic racing, competing in events like the Goodwood Revival. His recent return to competition in a GT3 car at the Dubai 24 Hour has been a taste of things to come. With his IndyCar racing license still valid, Franchitti has been searching for opportunities to get back behind the wheel. The NASCAR Truck Series has provided him with a unique chance to do so, and he’ll be competing in a Toyota for TRICON Garage.
Franchitti’s NASCAR Truck debut marks a new era in his racing career. While his once-planned jump to a Porsche LMP1 car may have never happened, the 52-year-old driver still has plenty of time to make a lasting impact in the sport. With his experience and skill, Franchitti is well-equipped to handle the challenges of the NASCAR Truck Series.
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