Franchitti runs away with win

RICHMOND, Va. – Pole-sitter Dario Franchitti led all but eight laps and held off Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon with the help of a late caution, giving the points leader his first IndyCar Series victory at Richmond International Raceway.

Franchitti, whose position in the standings got him the top starting spot when Friday night’s qualifying was rained out, gave up the lead only twice, and even then it was during pit stops under caution. His victory was sealed when a late caution allowed him to conserve fuel, and he pulled away with ease on a restart with six laps to go.

It was the third victory of the season and eighth straight top-five finish for the leader of the four-car Andretti Green Racing team, and made him the second consecutive winner at Richmond to set a record by leading the most laps in series history.

Last year, Sam Hornish Jr. led 212 circuits in his victory.

Franchitti padded his points lead with his second straight win. He won last week at Iowa Speedway.

Scott Dixon was second and moved to second in points, 65 behind. Dan Wheldon was third and Tony Kanaan fourth, and they share third, 72 points behind Franchitti.