INDIANAPOLIS 500 (INDIANAPOLIS) - FRANCHITTI EARNS $1.6 MILLION

Dario Franchitti earned $1,645,233 from a record purse of $10,668,815 for his victory May 27 in the 91st Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Franchitti became only the second Scotsman to win the Indianapolis 500 in an exciting, rain-shortened race. It was Franchitti’s first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” in his fifth start.

Franchitti’s winnings and the total purse were announced May 28 during the Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. His win in the No. 27 Canadian Club Dallara/Honda/Firestone gave Andretti Green Racing its second Indianapolis 500 victory in the past three years.

This year’s event purse broke the record of $10,518,565 set in 2006. This is the sixth consecutive year the overall purse for the field of 33 drivers has exceeded $10 million. The event purse is comprised of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League and sponsor awards, and other designated awards. Buddy Rice earned the record driver’s payout of $1,761,740 in 2004.

Franchitti, a 34-year-old native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and resident of Nashville, Tenn., led three times for 34 laps and inherited the lead on Lap 155 when teammate Tony Kanaan pitted. A multi-car accident on the backstretch brought out the caution on Lap 163, and Franchitti crossed the Yard of Bricks beneath the yellow and checkered flag on Lap 166 in a heavy downpour.

The race featured 23 lead changes among nine drivers. Tony Kanaan led the most laps with 83.

Scott Dixon, in the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone, earned $719,067 for finishing an Indy 500 career-best second.

Two-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves crossed the finish line in third place in the No. 3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone and earned $646,303.

Phil Giebler, driver of the No. 31 Ethos Fuel Reformulator Panoz/Honda/Firestone, was awarded the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Chase Rookie of the Year Award and its $25,000 bonus. Giebler finished the race in 29th place following an accident that forced his retirement after completing 106 laps.

At the Victory Celebration, Kanaan received the Scott Brayton Driver’s Trophy, presented since 1997 to the driver who best exemplifies the character and racing spirit of the late Scott Brayton.

The 92nd Indianapolis 500-Mile Race is scheduled for May 25, 2008.