Indianapolis, March 11 — Unfortunately, some forms of education are not complete without a diploma from the school of hard knocks.

Dario Franchitti, driver for Hogan Racing in this year's PPG CART World Series, received his final rookie schooling in the intricacies of oval racing on lap 46 of the Grand Prix of Miami, Sunday, March 2. He made contact with the wall in turn two while running in twelfth position.

"I had a car turn under me and it took the air off the front. I got off line and on the marbles and couldn't turn in. The wheel was full lock and the car slid into the wall," explained Dario. He was examined by Dr. Steven Olvey at CART Mobile Medical, and was "seen and released, not even a bruise," according to Dr. Olvey.

Team owner Carl Hogan summed up the weekend, "The team did a yeoman's job getting ready for this first race. This is Dario's first Indy car race and first oval and he did a great job in qualifying thirteenth, only a half second off the pole. We were fastest in this morning's warm up, which just proves that we were ready for this race. Dario was doing exactly what we asked of him, maintaining his position, and thinking long term to the end of the race. It's a shame, it's just one of those things."

Dario is the "most" rookie of the three rookies this year, having never raced in this country, much less an Indy car or a turbocharged car. But his step by step, calm and collected approach to his CART education paid off with a qualifying effort that placed him ahead of four past CART race winners. And topping the warm up session this morning makes you wonder if he learns in his sleep as well!

The weekend may not have been capped with a story book ending, but then even Rick Mears did not qualify for his first 500. We have 16 courses remaining for the completion of Dario's racing cum laude degree, and the showcasing of the talents that have made him one of the most widely followed drivers in Europe.

Source: CART News Service