Chat with Dario Franchitti
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The Indianapolis 500 winner is one of the most popular drivers in the series and is enjoying his best season while leading a resurgent Andretti Green Racing team.
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Franchitti leads the points standings and celebrated in Victory Lane on Sunday at the new track designed by Rusty Wallace.
So stop by here on Wednesday at noon ET to chat with Dario!
Auto Racing Archive: Chats | IndyCar index
Buzzmaster (11:58 AM)
We've got Dario!
Matt eagan,MN
Hey Dario, What is the most exillerating part of the IRL? Thanks!
Dario Franchitti (11:59 AM)
I would say winning the Indy 500 was definitely the high point so far.
Chad (Austin, TX)
Any desire to jump over and race for NASCAR?
Dario Franchitti (12:00 PM)
That's a question I'm getting asked a lot now. I'd love to try one of the cars, because I love to drive all different types of cars. I'd like to try one and see what it was like.
chauncey (teaneck)
what are your feelings on danica patrick?
Dario Franchitti (12:01 PM)
I think it's an unusual thing for a woman to compete at the top level in what until recently has been a male dominated sport. I can understand it, but I believe that whoever is doing the winning should get the recognition.
Dave from Des Moines, Iowa
Just wondered what you thought of the Newton track? Would you like to race there again in the future?
Dario Franchitti (12:01 PM)
Yeah, I think it was a really good track and well thought out. The only thing I would say is the IndyCar series would need to change the specification of the package if they come back next year.
david dalrymple, Dundee, Scotland
Well done big man!! when are you coming over to F1 to really test your mettle? good luck in the future
Dario Franchitti (12:02 PM)
Eight years ago, I had a couple of chances to come over to F1 full time, and at the time I didn't think it was the right move. I was very happy with the situation I was involved with and still involved with. Now, I think it's too late.
Mike (Milwaukee, WI)
Great start to the season. How difficult is it for you to go from the Indycar to the ALMS Acura? Any changes in your driving style? Good luck on the rest of the season. Wish we could see you at Road America in the Acura.
Dario Franchitti (12:03 PM)
Actually, the corner speeds are remarkably similar. There are a couple of changes in driving styles. It's a lot of fun to get out there and drive the Acura. I've really enjoyed it so far.
Chad (Austin, TX)
This probably won't be the first question you get about this, but what's it like to win the Indy 500 and then have Ashley Judd waiting for you after? That has to be the best feeling in the world. Am I wrong?
Dario Franchitti (12:04 PM)
It was a great day. What can I say? From start to finish, it was a wonderful experience.
Sean (McDonald)
What is your favorite racetrack?
Dario Franchitti (12:05 PM)
My favorite racetrack is Road America up in Elcart Lake, Wisconsin.
Michael Lazovich (Pa)
How does it feel to lead the Points Standings, and how did it really feel to win the Indy 500 the Greatest Spectical in racing?
Dario Franchitti (12:06 PM)
It feels good to lead the points. We've had a really good run, particularly lately. We've been scoring some points. Hopefully we can continue that. Hopefully we can go one race at a time.
Jeff (Kansas City, MO)
Dario, congratulations on the win yesterday. This year seems to be amongst the closest in recent years in terms of cars capable of winning a race. There seems to be around a dozen cars and 5 or 6 teams that are running consistently at the front. No doubt this is due the every having the virtually the same engine/chassis/tire combination. My question is, do you prefer to have most drivers on the same playing level, or would you like to see a return to a variety of engines/chassis, etc? Cheers!!
Dario Franchitti (12:07 PM)
I'd love to see the competition come back in with the engine manufacturers and engine chassis. I've experienced a lot in my career, and I'm a fan of the competition of the manufacturers.
Carl (VA)
when did you start racing cars?
Dario Franchitti (12:07 PM)
I started racing cars when I was 17. I started racing karts when I was 10.
Des Moines,IA
Mr. Franchitti, What do you think the IRL should allow to make the race in Iowa better? (exp. use of tire warmers,traction control,prerace warm up) I think they should allow somthing, because the weather here in Iowa is inpredictable. It can be 100deg's on day and 70 the next. P.S. congrats on the 500 & Corn 250 win. best of luck this weekend. SJM.
Dario Franchitti (12:08 PM)
I don't think we need tire warmers there. We've had no problems with restarts and such. My personal opinion would be a reduction in the level of down force on the trace. But that's an off the cuff remark. Some more thought and research would have to go into it.
Carl (VA)
what other sports do you enjoy watching and what are your favorite teams?
Dario Franchitti (12:09 PM)
I watch all kinds of racing. My off weekends, I tend to watch all types of racing throughout the world. I tend to watch soccer as well.
Jeff (Indy)
Comments on the "phantom yellow" at the end of the Iowa race? Not sure if they ever found the "debris" on the track. Thoughts?
Dario Franchitti (12:10 PM)
Yeah, I was one of the people complaining, but there definitely was some debris. I understand why the caution was called. It definitely wasn't phantom, but I had pointed it out before.
Ross(SF,CA)
What is the significance of the pie in the face gag that seems to take place alot on the IRL Circut?
Dario Franchitti (12:11 PM)
It's not really the IRL circuit, but in our team. I don't know. It seems to be a weapon that comes to hand easily. It doesn't do too much permanent damage. It's the prefered gag, I guess.
Joe (Milwaukee)
If women shouldn't they win and get the attenion then?
Dario Franchitti (12:12 PM)
That's my personal opinion. The people doing the winning should get the attention. But I'm not the one writing about it, unfortunately.
Dario Franchitti (12:13 PM)
Thanks. Hopefully we'll do a good job this weekend and you can see it on TV.
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