Champion IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Franchitti’s MBE came as part of the Queen’s birthday honours for his services to motor racing.
The Scot was forced to prematurely end his IndyCar career last year when he suffered multiple injuries in a terrifying crash at the Houston street race.
Currently attending this weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hour race with brother Marino, Franchitti has been humbled by one of the most prestigious decorations that Britain offers.
Messages of congratulations began filtering through various social media channels soon after the MBE was announced.
Franchitti enjoyed a fabulous IndyCar career that netted wins in the Indianapolis 500 in 2007, 2010 and 2012 as well as IndyCar Series titles in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The 41-year-old, who split from actress wife Ashley Judd last year, won 31 races between CART (10) and IndyCar (21).
Franchitti now works in an advisory role with his former squad, Chip Ganassi Racing.
He drove the pace car at last month’s Indy 500.
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