Franchitti to Make Racing Return at Michelin 24H Dubai
Four-time IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, will return to professional racing at the Michelin 24H Dubai on January 17-18, driving for Team Parker Racing in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO.
Franchitti will pilot the No. 31 entry, sharing responsibilities with 2012 FIA World Touring Car champion Rob Huff and father-son duo Shaun and Max Lynn. The car features a unique livery created by former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson.
This race marks Franchitti’s first competitive outing since a serious crash in 2013 during an IndyCar event in Houston, which led to career-ending injuries. Although sidelined from pro racing, he received clearances from Motorsport UK to participate in amateur events like the Goodwood Revival and Spa Six Hours starting in 2019. Prior to his accident, Franchitti achieved significant success in sports car racing, including an overall victory at the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Team Parker Racing, based in Leicester, is well-established in the SRO British GT Championship and has previously competed in the 24H Dubai. This race will be their first appearance with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO after years of fielding the Bentley Continental GT3.
The No. 31 Mercedes-AMG GT3 is among 39 GT3 entries slated for the event, competing against formidable teams such as Team WRT, Winward Racing, EBM, and Optimum Motorsport, known for their IMSA operations.
