What is Dario Franchitti?
[[File:Dario Franchitti - 2015 Indianapolis 500 - Sarah Stierch 2.jpg|thumbnail|Dario Franchitti, 2015]] '''Dario Franchitti''' (born 19 May 1973) is a [[Scottish people|Scottish]] racing driver. He is best known for winning the [[IndyCar Series]] championship four times (in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011). He won the [[Indianapolis 500]] three times. He most recently drove for [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]. He won three of his four championships while driving for that team. Franchitti has also driven in [[NASCAR]] and sportscar races. In 2013, he retired from racing after he was hurt in a crash during a race. ==Biography== Franchitti was born on 19 May 1973 in [[Bathgate]], Scotland. He began racing as a young boy. In 1996, he ran in the [[DTM]] series for [[Mercedes-Benz]]. He moved to CART racing in 1997. He drove for Hogan Racing in 1997. Franchitti finished a strong second place in 1999. In 2000, he thought about moving to the [[Jaguar Racing|Jaguar]] [[Formula One]] team, but stayed in IndyCar racing. At this time he was driving for [[Andretti Autosport]]. In 2003, Franchitti moved to the Indy Racing League (now IndyCar). He had to miss much of the year after he was injured in a motorcycle accident. [[Dan Wheldon]] replaced Franchitti at a race in Japan. 2007 was Franchitti's most successful season so far. He won the [[Indianapolis 500]] and the series title. Franchitti spent 2008 in [[NASCAR]] with [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]. He had some strong results, but he had a difficult season and decided to return to IndyCar. (IndyCar had merged with [[ChampCar]] in 2008.) He drove for Ganassi's IndyCar team, where he replaced Wheldon. The 2009 season was very successful for Franchitti. He won the title over his teammate [[Scott Dixon]] and Penske driver [[Ryan Briscoe]] after winning the final race in Miami. In 2010, Franchitti had a long battle with Australian driver [[Will Power]]. Franchitti won his second straight title. Franchitti won again in 2011 after another battle with Power. His longtime friend [[Dan Wheldon]]