Indy 500 winner Franchitti receives his ring ring

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Defending Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti has received his champion's ring.

Former NBA star Larry Bird presented the two-time Indy winner with his trophy at a news conference Friday at Conseco Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers.

Franchitti says the ring is identical to the one he got after his first win in 2007 and includes a set of diamonds formed in the shape of the historic 2.5-mile speedway. One side of the ring has a set of checkered flags.

The Scotsman says he hopes to match Bird's championship total this season. Bird won three NBA titles with the Boston Celtics. Franchitti goes into next week's season-opener at St. Petersburg, Fla., as IndyCar's two-time defending points champ.