Already securing the bonus point for winning the PEAK Performance Pole Award, Dario Franchitti had two other goals in the Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 to earn the IZOD IndyCar Series championship for a record-tying third time.
One was achieved on Lap 118 of 200 when he clinched two points for leading the most laps, and he was on pace to win the race. That would seal the deal no matter where Power finished.
That all became moot when Power’s No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car brushed the Turn 4 wall on Lap 135 while running fourth, which bent the right-rear wishbone. The crew wheeled the car behind the wall and made the change in 5 minutes, 6 seconds.
Power, who posted five victories in his first full season with Team Penske, suffered his first DNF of the season in the biggest race of his career. IndyCar.com
The 37-year-old Scotsman finished eighth behind winner Scott Dixon to edge Power by five points and become the first IndyCar driver to repeat as series champion since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2001 and 2002.
Franchitti celebrated with a trademark burnout while owner Chip Ganassi shared a hug with Franchitti’s wife, actress Ashley Judd.
Danica Patrick finished second, followed by Tony Kanaan, Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves. The Associated Press
Franchitti was aggressive for the first 160 laps—leading a race high 120—but once Power hit the wall on the 1.5 mile HMS oval he retreated to a conservative mode, just wanting to finish the race in the top 10 to conserve his crown.
“We had the car to win tonight but we just had to play it conservatively (after Power’s mistake),” Franchitti said.
He said that there was a hair rasing moment with 25 laps to go when back marker Milka Duno spun out right in front of him.
“The 18 car crashed right in front of us and almost took us out,” he said. “It was a little too action packed.” Toronto Sun
Meanwhile, Power settled for the only emotion he could muster after hitting the wall, damaging his car and finishing five points short of his first title: disappointment.
Power watched helplessly from Team Penske’s pit box, his helmet and gloves long since removed. He hadn’t been able to keep his car from scrubbing the turn three wall trying to pass lapped cars, and his crew couldn’t fix it.
An opportunity lost.
“I said early on that the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins the championship,” Power said. “Dario’s pretty good at not making mistakes . . . and avoiding (trouble).” Indianapolis Star
Vitor Meira finished a season oval-best sixth, advancing 15 positions in the No. 14 ABC Supply Co. car for A.J. Foyt Racing, and Marco Andretti was seventh in the No. 26 Team Venom Energy for Andretti Autosport. Dan Wheldon, driving the No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing car, and Graham Rahal in the No. 02 Quick Trim entry for Newman/Haas Racing also were in the top 10. Alex Lloyd clinched the Rookie of the Year award – a first for Dale Coyne Racing—with a 12th-place finish.
Dixon’s third victory of the season helped the two-time series champion hurdle Castroneves for third in the championship standings.
“It’s a big deal trying to get to third,” he said. “With so many yellows, it turned into a fuel race and we had a few rough restarts. This was a huge night for us, but more importantly for Dario for taking another championship. We definitely had a rough year and a lot of missed opportunities, but everyone is very excited about the outcome.” IndyCar.com
Click Here to Read More:
Interview With 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series Champion - Dario Franchitti
IndyCar Series: Brasil Indy 300 at Homestead Miami Speedway - Race Results
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