Indy Cars Visit Pizza Ranch Victory Lane

Dario Franchitti and crew celebrate in Pizza Ranch Victory Lane after the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA on Sunday June 21, 2009.

Dario Franchitti took first place at the Iowa Speedway on Sunday June 21 in the Iowa Corn Indy 250.  It is his second win at Iowa Speedway in three years.  Franchitti, who is currently in second place in the Indycar Series, edged out Ryan Briscoe, who is currently first, for the victory; crossing the finish line just over five seconds ahead of Briscoe.  However, the Indycar Series is a tight race right now with only three points separating the top two drivers.  Franchitti credits his win to an excellent car, good timing, and fast pit stops, “The Target guys were phenomenal,” said Franchitti of his pit crew.  Joining Franchitti in the top five at the Iowa Speedway were Ryan Briscoe, Hideki Mutoh, Dan Wheldon, and Scott Dixon. 

Adding to Sunday’s excitement at the Iowa Speedway was the attendance of the track’s designer Rusty Wallace.  Just as many of the fans, Rusty Wallace was glad to see a break from the rain that had put a damper on the beginning of the weekend events.  Also attending was Olympic gold medalist and “Dancing with the Stars” champion Shawn Johnson who met three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 2007 “Dancing with the Stars” champion Helio Castroneves at the start/finish line early on Sunday. Castroneves gave her an insider’s tour of the racetrack with some high-speed laps in the pace car. She also got a garage tour of the No. 7 Boost Mobile/Motorola car driven by Danica Patrick.

Dario Franchitti, driver of the #10 tom-tom Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallaria Honda, celebrates with his wife, actress Ashley Judd, in Pizza Ranch Victory Lane after winning the Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Sunday June 21 at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA.