Dario Franchitti captures 3rd IndyCar title
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) - Dario Franchitti won his third IndyCar championship on Saturday, wearing down points leader Will Power and then smartly avoiding disaster in the season finale at Homestead.
Franchitti dominated early then played it safe late after Power went to the garage following a scrape with the wall as he scrambled to keep pace.
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.
Power, who led the championship chase virtually all season, wound up 25th.
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