By Paul Kelly
indy500.com
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Winning the two biggest prizes in IndyCar Series racing – the Indianapolis 500 and the series championship – helped Dario Franchitti dominate Driver of the Year voting for the second consecutive quarter.
Fueled by his title charge, Franchitti was named as the top driver of the third quarter of 2007 by the Driver of the Year award panel. He won second-quarter honors after triumphing in the 91st Indianapolis 500 on May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"It is quite an honor to receive the Driver of the Year award for the second consecutive quarter," Franchitti said. "I am especially honored when you consider all of the very talented drivers throughout every series.
Franchitti captured his first IndyCar Series championship by winning the season-ending Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 presented by Mr. Clean on Sept. 9 at Chicagoland Speedway. The victory came on the last lap when his closest pursuer in the points, Scott Dixon, ran out of fuel while leading.
The victory at Chicago was one of four wins this season in the No. 27 Canadian Club Dallara/Honda/Firestone for Franchitti, who earned his first victory of the year at Indianapolis.
2005 and 2007 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner Tony Stewart finished second in the voting. 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner Jimmie Johnson was third. Dixon was fourth.
In the voting, Franchitti took seven first-place ballots, totaling 100 points. Stewart received two first-place votes and 65 points. Johnson had three first-place votes and 51 points.
"I am very grateful to be recognized for a successful 2007 season that was highlighted by an IndyCar Series championship and Indianapolis 500 win," Franchitti said.
A panel of 17 leading journalists from across the United States votes for the Driver of the Year quarterly and annual awards. The program is in its 41st year.
***
2008 Indianapolis 500 tickets: For information about tickets for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2008, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com or call the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally.
| Indianapolis 500 Talkback | Post Comment |
|
|
|