Franchitti, McLaren Named to Racing Hall of Fame
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo legendary names in motorsports are being inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Dario Franchitti, who won three Indianapolis 500 races, and Bruce McLaren were chosen from a ballot of 16 nominees.
The inductees were announced on Founders Day, celebrating the 108th anniversary of the day the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Co. was established. They were selected by a panel of auto racing journalists, participants and historians, according to IMS.
In addition to his three Indy 500 wins, Franchitti also won four Verizon IndyCar Series championships, as well as the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2008. IMS President Doug Boles says Franchitti’s wins were some of the most memorable in the history of the famed oval.
"Dario was a fan favorite because of the combination of his mastery in the car coupled with his understanding and appreciation of the history of the Indianapolis 500," said Boles. "He, more than most, will understand the honor of becoming a member of the Auto Racing Hall of Fame."
McClaren won four Formula 1 races, two Can-Am series championships and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 during his days a a driver. He was also a successful designer, constructor and engineer in the racing world.
"Even decades after his passing, the name Bruce McLaren instantly conjures up vivid memories for racing enthusiasts around the world," said IMS Historian Donald Davidson, "whether they be for his Formula One driving days; for his analytical approach to racing; his decision to start up his own marque, when he could well have continued to drive for other people; his utter dominance, along with fellow New Zealander Denis Hulme of the Can-Am series in the late 1960s; or for the legendary organizations he left behind which compiled multiple Formula 1 Constructors Championships and Indianapolis 500 wins."
IMS says, to be inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame, nominees must ne named on 75 percent of the voting ballots or finish first in his or her voting category.