Franchitti insists he's not a 'legend'

The title decider at Homestead not only saw the Scot get the better of title rival Will Power, but also marked a second historic double for Franchitti, as he won the championship in the same year as his second Indianapolis 500 triumph.

Franchitti stands as only the fifth driver to achieve the double more than once in his career, having also won both Indy and the title during his successful 2007 campaign with the then-Andretti Green Racing team.

At the age of 37, Franchitti joins IndyCar greats Louis Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Rodger Ward and AJ Foyt in the list of drivers to double up for a second time - but is amazed to be mentioned alongside them.

"I hear that kind of list and I hear these legends of the sport, and I don't feel part of that group, you know what I mean?" said Franchitti.

"I'm very proud of my achievements winning the three championships and the two Indianapolis 500s. But I kind of look on those guys [and] I don't feel part of that."

Ten years after making his debut in America in Champ Car, Franchitti captured his first Indy 500 victory in the rain-shortened 2007 race. He regards that spectacular season as a turning point.

"There were a couple difficult years, too. But from 2007, it's all just clicked," he said. "I think when you figure out how to win one of these things, you've kind of got that knowledge to fall back on.

"I've been very lucky again to drive great equipment both in 2007, and certainly since I've joined Team Target [Ganassi], and that all helps."

After winning back-to-back titles since a disappointing foray into NASCAR, Franchitti will now look to take a third consecutive title, a feat only achieved once before by American Ted Horn (in 1946-48), although Sebastien Bourdais took four Champ Car titles in a row during the 'split' years.

He will also be contesting the V8 Supercar event in Surfers Paradise and plans a short break before beginning work on his championship defence.

"I'm sure [team boss] Chip [Ganassi] and I will be getting together and we'll be talking about next year and where to improve," said Franchitti.

"I suppose in some ways the good point is I'm already up for it. But I think I do need a couple of weeks off."