Franchitti follows his hero into Indy immortality

Dario Franchitti wasn't born when Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. But that didn't stop him from idolizing the Scottish racing legend.

"I think he's a hero for any Scottish driver, and really one of the best drivers in the world ever," said Franchitti, who claimed an Indianapolis 500 title of his own on May 27.

Franchitti had hoped to mark the 40th anniversary of Clark's win with a victory of his own, and explained that his failure to do so had seen him contemplate retirement.

"[The fact that] was the 40th anniversary of Jim Clark winning it was one of the reasons I was so (upset) I didn't win in 2005," he said. "I was so upset.

"Jackie Stewart came over and watched the race. My old boss, obviously one of my heroes, came to watch me race. It was looking good for a while, but it didn't turn out."

Still, Franchitti has long cherished the legacy of Clark, and said he felt truly humbled when he saw the winner's Borg-Warner Trophy and saw the name of Clark on it.

"I saw some of the names, including my hero Jim Clark, then I was in awe. To see the great names that are on there, it's such a humbling experience," he said. "It's amazing to think I'm going to be on it. It's such an honor."

Next up for Franchitti is The Milwaukee Mile, another track where he shares a victory with Clark

"I'm ready for Milwaukee," he said. "I'm eager to get back in the car. It will be a busy week. It's Milwaukee and I love that track. When the cars are as good as they are now. You just want to get in a drive them. I'm ready to go."