INTERNATIONAL INDUCTEES

 

Since 2009, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame has regularly inducted world-famous racers and members of the motorsports community as International Inductees.

These individuals or organizations have made major contributions to the global racing scene, and often have a special connection to the sport in Canada.

In 2023, the International Inductee was IndyCar star Dario Franchitti.

 

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2023 International Inductee: Dario Franchitti

 

For 2023, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame proudly inducts Scottish racing legend, Dario Franchitti, as the International Inductee.

 

Born in 1973 in Edinburgh, Franchitti’s racing journey began at age 10 with karting, then quickly advancing through the ranks of British Formula Vauxhall Junior and Formula Vauxhall Lotus, clinching championships along the way.

 

His fourth-place finish in the 1994 British Formula 3 Championship marked a significant milestone in his early career.

 

Franchitti’s move to European touring car racing in 1995 with Mercedes-Benz in DTM and ITC further honed his skills. He achieved a fifth-place finish in the DTM Drivers’ Championship and third in the ITC, with multiple podiums and a victory at Suzuka in 1996.

 

Transitioning to the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) World Series in 1997, Franchitti’s success continued with Team KOOL Green and Andretti Green Racing, later joining Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

His career in open-wheel racing is highlighted by 31 victories, 33 pole positions, and over 100 podium finishes. Notably, Franchitti is a four-time IndyCar Series champion and a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

 

His success extended to Canadian races, where he won the Molson Indy Toronto and Vancouver and the admiration of Canadian fans. Franchitti also competed in NASCAR and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, earning a victory in the 2008 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

 

Since retiring, Franchitti has become a respected commentator, analyst, and mentor in motorsport. His induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame recognizes his outstanding achievements and enduring impact on the sport.

 

 

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CMHF INTERNATIONAL INDUCTEES

 

 

2023: Dario Franchitti

 

 

2022: Pfaff Motorsports

 

 

2021: Wally Dallenbach Sr.

 

 

2020: Bernie Ecclestone

 

 

2019: McLaren Racing

 

 

2017: Honda

 

 

2016: Legendary Motorcar

 

 

2015: Multimatic Motorsports

 

 

2014: Sir Jackie Stewart

 

 

2013: Nigel Mansell

 

 

2012: Mario Andretti

 

 

2011: Michael Andretti

 

 

2010: Bobby Rahal & Professor Sid Watkins

 

 

2009: Carroll Shelby