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2012 Indy 500 Winner: Dario Franchitti Takes Third Career Title

In one of the most enthralling 10-lap stretches in recent years, Dario Franchitti won his third career Indy 500 title on Sunday with a strong showing despite numerous caution flags.

The race was especially notable for hitting a caution with just seven laps remaining, which set the table for a showdown between Honda drivers Takuma Sato and Franchitti heading into the final lap. As Sato began to make his move a bit too early, his car spun out on turn No. 2 and he proceeded to smash into the wall and signal the end of the race as yet another caution flag was brought out. Even though he was in a prime position to slide by Franchitti on one of the final turns, Sato's eagerness ultimately cost him a viable shot at glory in Sunday's historic event.

Winner of three Indianapolis 500 titles over the course of his career, Franchitti has now won with a yellow caution flag flying high above him as he approached the finish line on all three occasions, and benefited from a risky move by Sato to take the crown in today's race.

For more 2012 Indy 500 coverage, stay with this StoryStream. For more Indy racing analysis, be sure to check out Pop Off Valve.

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Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.