Scottish racer Dario Franchitti has rightly taken a place in history as one of American open wheel racing’s immortals.
Heeding the advice of top specialists in Indianapolis, Franchitti has called time on a career run at full throttle and punctuated by a many stunning highlights.
CLICK HERE for more on this morning’s announcement
The story of George Dario Marino Franchitti in racing started to bear fruit when he won the Karting Scottish Junior Championship in 1984.
From there he took British Junior Championships in 1985 and 1986 and the Scottish senior title in 1988.
Moving into cars, the 1991 UK Formula Vauxhall Junior crown soon followed.
His exploits started to press buttons with the right people and the following year he stepped up into Formula Vauxhall Lotus with Paul Stewart Racing.
In his first year, he finished fourth in the overall championship, and was named the McLaren/Autosport Young Driver of the Year.
Staying with the team for the next season, he won the championship.
He graduated to the British Formula 3 Championship in 1994, where he finished fourth.
Snapped up by AMG Racing in 1995 to drive a works Mercedes C-Class in the German Touring Car Championship and the International Touring Car Championship, where he finished fifth and third respectively.
He continued in the ITC in 1996, finishing fourth overall with one race win.
The following year he then hooked up with Hogan Racing in CART in 1997.
Franchitti was then hired by Team Kool Green, run by Aussie expats Barry and Kim Green, in 1998 where he remained until 2002.
The 40-year-old scored three wins in the 1999 CART season to tie on points with Ganassi driver Juan Pablo Montoya however the latter took the title on a countback as he had seven victories for the season.
In 2003 Franchitti moved to the merged Andretti Green IRL squad but he missed most of the season after injuring his back in a motorcycle crash.
Later in the decade Franchitti moved to Ganassi where he three-straight titles from 2009-2011, including the Indy 500 in 2010 and 2012. He had won his first Indy title and Indy 500 in 2007.
Franchitti tried his hand in Ganassi’s NASCAR Sprint Cup team in 2008 however a broken ankle saw a return to open-wheel by the end of the year.
This season Franchitti battled his way to 10th in the championship, with the campaign finishing prematurely following his terrifying aerial crash in the Houston street race. His team-mate Scott Dixon went on to win the title.
His longtime boss Chip Ganassi paid a glowing tribute to the amenable Scot following the announcement of his retirement.
“Dario Franchitti has done so much for Chip Ganassi Racing so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season,” Ganassi said.
“But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the race track by everyone in the paddock and in the stands.
“His contributions to the sport of motor racing are too many to list, but I can tell you that they go way beyond what he has done on the track.
“What’s both impressive and unique about Dario is that he has always been a student of racing, someone who not only appreciates the actual science of the sport but also the rich heritage of those racers that have gone before him.
“This news only serves as the start of next chapter in Dario Franchitti’s racing career – which I expect will be here with Chip Ganassi Racing.”
T.E. McHale, who has endured a long involvement in CART/IndyCar racing and is the manager of Honda’s Motorsport involvement in America, also spoke of Franchitti’s achievements.
“Over 16 seasons of driving for Honda, Dario was an exemplary ambassador for the brand; I daresay he made scores of friends here of which he isn’t even aware,” McHale said.
“We salute him for his many accomplishments, pay tribute to him as a true legend of this sport, and wish him every good thing imaginable as he moves into life’s next act.”
Social media was abuzz with messages of support following Franchitti’s decision to retire, with the following a small snapshot of the tributes.
Ashley Judd: One-of-a kind-racer, accomplishments that dazzle, has respect of legends & newcomers, but most of all, a gentleman.
Emma Davies Dixon (wife of team-mate Scott): @dariofranchitti this makes me soo sad…I hate the thought of you not being parked next to us at the race track ..Thinking of u..x
Mario Andretti: Hey CHAMP @dariofranchitti welcome to my world: If you need any advice don’t hesitate to call.
Leigh Diffey: The brilliant @dariofranchitti is one of those guys you thought would simply drive forever. What a wonderful gift you’ve been to Motorsport!
Max Papis: It is not about the money or fame is all about the STORY u write in your life @dariofranchitti is example u can do both
Paul Tracy: Very proud of my good buddy Dario , what a fantastic career !!! Your the best my friend
AJ Alllemdinger: Your one of the best ever brotha! Great career. Even better person.
Juan Pablo Montoya: @dariofranchitti is a great friend and a great competitor and he is gonna be missed on the tracks.
Will Power: Very sad news to hear that @dariofranchitti will not be back next year… will go down as one of the all time greats in racing and @IndyCar
Tony Kanaan: Sad day with @dariofranchitti news but most importantly, he is my friend…
Helio Castroneves: @dariofranchitti no way!! I’m honored to share the track and race with u my friend!
Mark Webber: Mega career @dariofranchitti class bloke, and tough competitor.I would of loved for him to join me in the Porsche on the future.
Scott Dixon: @dariofranchitti gutted. Amazing teammate and a legend in sport. Stoked to say your a BFF luv ya pal
