Dario’s triple

Dario Franchitti, who previously won the race in 2007 and 2010, did it again at the 2012 Indianapolis 500, becoming a three-time Indy 500 champion. Several drivers have won the Indianapolis 500 three times, including Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser and  Dario Franchitti.

Picture above: Chip Ganassi Racing team mates Franchitti and Dixon celebrate side-by-side, after crossing the finishing line.

On the final lap, second placed Takuma Sato challenged Franchitti for the lead in turn one, but the Scot resisted by maintaining a low line. As the two cars were side by side, Sato spun and crashed into the outside wall (picture below). The Japanese driver was classified 17th, while Franchitti went on to take victory.

Franchitti’s teammate Scott Dixon finished second, sweeping a fantastic 1-2 finish for Chip Ganassi Racing. For engine manufacturer Honda, it was the ninth consecutive victory on the Brickyard.