Dario Speedwagon reveals his personal story

Dec 11 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

DARIO Speedwagon by Neil Drysdale has hit shelves just in time for Christmas and it could be the perfect stocking filler for the motorsport fan in your life.

The story from Bathgate to Beverly Hills is a truly fascinating read as Dario reveals how he was behind the wheel before he was even behind a school desk, beginning his track career at the West of Scotland Karting club at Larkhall.

The author is a longtime friend of Franchitti with a uniquely intimate perspective that allows him to document the racer’s rise from West Lothian to one of the biggest motorsport stars in the world.

Dario has experienced tremendous highs with perhaps the pinnacle being when he won the prestigious Indy 500 and the IRL championship.

He also talks candidly of his marriage to Hollywood starlet Ashley Judd, but the loss of some of his closest friends, including Scottish race-ace Colin McRae, have also hit him hard.

It is a gripping read and shows the single-minded determination within him that has taken him to the top.

Dario concedes that without the support of his parents his journey to the peak of motorsport might have been over before it had even begun.

Speaking in the book Dario said: “It wasn’t easy and I have to thank my parents for being able to step up. They re-mortgaged the house to allow me to do that, and you don’t do these things lightly.”

Dario also admitted the faith of his parents, George and Marina, in his chances of becoming a professional racing driver wasn’t shared by everyone in his home county.

“Most of my life has been spent in West Lothian, and sometimes when I said to people I want to be a racing driver they look at me like I’m from another planet.

“It’s like if you come from this area, you shouldn’t have that kind of ambition.”

The book hurtles the reader along in the same way Dario navigates oval tracks in gravity-defying style.

He discusses his 150mph bike crash in 2003, his time at Whitburn Academy and moving through the ranks of racing.

Formula One is also discussed, with Franchitti displaying refreshing honesty about the reasons he never lined up on an F1 grid.

“Everyone always talked about F1 this and F1 that and I was linked with various teams for a lengthy period but F1 never held any appeal unless I was with a car which was pushing for the title and the opportunity never arose.”

In conclusion the tale of one of Scotland’s most charismatic sports stars is a must-read for motorsports fans or simply fans of Scottish sport.

The story of a West Lothian racer with stars in his eyes who went to and conquered the world is a must-have Christmas gift this year and I highly recommend it.

Dario Speedwagon, published by Birlinn, by Neil Drysdale, is available for £16.99.