23 Days in August: No. 10, Dario Franchitti, 2010 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda

 

If you joined us for 30 Days in May earlier this year, you’ll see some familiar faces from that countdown. We’ve also added some new entries for 23 Days in August. So let’s celebrate some notable drivers and cars from the glorious past of the Indianapolis 500!

 

Photo credit: Jim Haines/Indianapolis Motor Speedway photo

Dario Franchitti led 155 laps on his way to his second Indianapolis 500 victory in 2010.

23 Days in August: No. 10, Dario Franchitti, 2010 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda. In addition to being a three-time Indianapolis 500 champion, Dario Franchitti also is a keen student of motorsports history. Given that, I hope he agrees with my assessment that his Indianapolis 500 success mirrors that of Johnny Rutherford. Rutherford won his three Indianapolis 500s over six years, including one shortened by rain; Franchitti won his three Indianapolis 500s over five years, including one shortened by rain.

In his 2010 victory, Franchitti started third and led 155 laps in one of his usual excellent performances at the Speedway.

Franchitti had to retire in 2013 after a horrendous crash at Houston, suffering a concussion and other injuries. He was only 40 at the time, so it’s conceivable he could’ve joined A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears as a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion.

Thankfully, Franchitti has recovered well enough so that he can drive vintage race cars, something he thoroughly enjoys and appreciates.