The last lap of this year's Indy 500 included a serious sphincter-clencher for Dario Franchitti. Takuma Sato attempted a pass in a headwind on turn one, but the 226-mph inside run on the leader was unclean, and the always-courageous Sato took himself out. But the lack of on-screen drama for his rival belied what was happening in Franchitti's car.
In this week's Shakedown, Leo Parente gets some face time with the 2012 champ on his post-win PR tour. Race nerds will note how Dario explains the new rules changes dictating the way a driver can defend his position. As such, Dario says he gave Sato more than enough room to make his pass — a response to Sato's accusations that he was squeezed out.
Dario also sheds light on Honda's technical race-response to Indy qualifying, driver name-calling, the new Dallara DW12 chassis's performance, Dan Wheldon, the real deal about team owner, Chip Ganassi and what we should know about wife Ashley Judd.
But back to that failed pass: