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Dario Franchitti’s One-Off NASCAR Return Ends 27th After Late Steering Problem in St. Pete Truck Race

The IndyCar great tackled the series’ first street course with a low-pressure approach and Jimmie Johnson’s guidance after rain sharply curtailed preparation.

Overview

  • Franchitti finished 27th after his truck developed a steering issue with 16 laps remaining, derailing a top-10 run.
  • He spent much of the race inside the top 10, scoring sixth in Stage 1 and eighth in Stage 2 before the late mechanical trouble.
  • Franchitti said he had fun despite the setback and noted a failed helmet blower made conditions uncomfortably hot.
  • The race marked the Truck Series’ first street event at St. Petersburg, where rain cut practice and canceled qualifying.
  • Johnson helped arrange the TRICON entry and coached Franchitti on restarts, and the standalone event used no live pit stops.