Franchitti claims third IndyCar Series title
IndyCar Series Title goes to Franchitti
Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver, Dario Franchitti, clinched his third IndyCar Series championship, his second title in two years, on Saturday 2 October after title rival Will Power (Team Penske) crashed out of the Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The Scottish driver finished eighth in a race won by his Target Chip Ganassi Racing team mate Scott Dixon, handing him the championship title with 602 points. Power who has been the main title contender since 20 June finished just five points short of Franchitti in the championship race, with Scott Dixon finishing third just 55 points off the title.
Franchitti has now won three season titles in four years, missing out in 2008 after a switch to US stock car racing. Franchitti is only the fifth driver to win the Indy 500 and the IndyCar season crown in the same season.
Great year with Firestone tires
"Firestone is fantastic, you've got to give them a lot of credit for all the hard work they put in. The Firestone tires are something we can guarantee are going to be there to help us and pull us through, even when have a bad set-up. It's been a great year with them."
Scott Dixon, #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
Firestone tires are great
"We're here because every person at Team Target, from Chip right on down, has the same desire to win that Chip does. I've been with Firestone since 1995, with Bridgestone when I was over in Europe (in touring cars). I came over here in 1997 and every race I've won, every championship, has been with Firestone and with Honda. The engines perform flawlessly and the tires are great, we never worry about them."
Dario Franchitti, #10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
The best racing competition you will see anywhere
"What an amazing way to finish an outstanding season. Once again there was plenty of good, hard, close racing, which underscores just how good the drivers, all the equipment and especially the tires are. It was great to see Danica Patrick and her teammate Tony Kanaan battling so closely at the end. Their competition alone gave the fans plenty to cheer about. Of course, we need to congratulate the entire Target Chip Ganassi Racing organization. Another win for Scott Dixon and a storybook second straight championship for Dario Franchitti. Firestone Racing would also like to congratulate everyone involved with the IZOD IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights series. It truly is some of the best racing competition you'll see anywhere in the world."
Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing