Ashley Judd’s husband Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, making it the third time the talented driver has seen the checkered flag wave as he crossed the finish line. Of course, Judd, who is easily Franchitti’s biggest fan, knew her spouse would come out on top. Before the race began, Judd reportedly whispered in her husband’s ear, “I’ll see you in Victory Lane.” 500 laps later, her prediction had come true.
Not only does Franchitti have the honor of being only the tenth driver to win the popular race three times, he also gets to bring home $2.4 million for finishing in the top spot. Not bad for a hard day’s work, especially when you’ve got Ashley Judd on your arm, as well. To celebrate Franchitti’s achievement, the couple took a victory lap around the track in one of the open-top pace cars.
However, Franchitti’s victory was almost derailed during the last lap by driver Takuma Sato. In a daring move, Sato attempted to pass Franchitti, only to crash his car into the wall as a result. Naturally, the Japanese wheelman seemed to blame his opponent for the wreck, claiming Franchitti didn’t move up to give him room.
Here’s a look at the incident in question:
Joining the couple for their celebratory lap was Susie Wheldon, wife of Franchitti’s close friend Dan Wheldon, who died last October in a crash on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “What a race, what a race! I think D-dub [Dan Wheldon] would be proud of that one. I just want to dedicate this to two of Indianapolis’ finest, Dan Wheldon and Michael Wanser [son of Barry Wanser of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing]. Thanks to all of the Indianapolis fans for their tribute to Dan today,” Franchitti said after the race.
Judd and Franchitti met at a wedding for actor-turned-race car driver Jason Priestley. According to People, the two had no idea they were being set up by their friends. After the event, all Franchitti could talk about was the lovely lass he’d met. Judd, meanwhile, was quite giddy herself, reportedly spending several long hours on the phone with her new beau. The pair were married at Skibo Castle near Dornoch, Scotland in 2001.
(image)
What do the folks who labor furiously over each and every Twitter post think about Ashley Judd, Dario Franchitti, and his win at this year’s Indianapolis 500? You can find a small collection of reactions to the news below.
Thanks, everyone, for the good wishes & congragulations. Your enthusiasm in celebrating w/ @dariofranchitti has made it even more special!
So, who won the Indy 500 again? Was it Ashley Judd or her husband Dario Franchitti?
Emotional #Indy500 stat for @dariofranchitti – The only other driver to win from 16th on the grid? His friend Dan Wheldon 2005 #lionheart
Pretty awesome Indy 500. Great win for Dario Franchitti, and courageous try by Sato.
Many congratulations to former British F3 drivers Mark Webber & Dario Franchitti on winning two of the most prestigious races in the world.