After a 13-year hiatus from racing, Dario Franchitti has made an unexpected return to the sport in one of its most unusual forms: a NASCAR Truck. The four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner is set to compete in a new event supporting IndyCar's Grand Prix of St.
Petersburg, driving a Toyota for TRICON Garage. This marks the second surprise return in the Truck Series this year, following Tony Stewart's announcement that he will be racing an all-star truck at Daytona.
Franchitti's decision to re-enter NASCAR comes after a brief stint in historic racing and a return to competition in a GT3 car at the Dubai 24 Hour. Despite his impressive resume, which includes 31 wins and four IndyCar championships, Franchitti has been out of the spotlight for nearly two decades.
His experience in stock cars dates back to the early 2000s, when he competed in partial seasons in both the Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series before returning to open wheelers. The 52-year-old driver was medically cleared to return to racing in 2019 and has been slowly building up his competition schedule.
Franchitti's decision to re-enter NASCAR is a testament to his dedication to the sport, despite the risks involved. With his impressive skills and experience, he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with on the track.