Franchitti plans Nationwide return

The Scot successfully completed the first of two days of Sprint Cup testing at Pocono Raceway on Tuesday, when he drove for the first time since fracturing his left ankle in an accident at Talladega during a Nationwide Series race.

"I felt great," Franchitti said following the first day of testing "I was really worried about how I was going to feel, but I got back in and we ran pretty well. I'm really happy with the way things have been running today. I've been pushing the brake pedal pretty hard with no ill effects, so it's good."

The Scot is still unsure of whether he is fit enough to complete a Cup race next weekend. He believes the shorter Nationwide race, which is half the length of the Cup event, would be a better way to make his return.

However, the final decision rests with his bosses and the announcement on where he will race this weekend is expected from the team later today.

"I will probably do the Nationwide," Franchitti added. "I've really got to talk to Chip. because it's a decision for the team. I probably will end up in the Nationwide race but it would be hard to do both. Dover, as I understand it, is not the easiest place in the world."

The Scot was 40th on the first day of testing at Pocono, running about a second off David Gilliland, who set the pace in his Yates Racing Ford.

Franchitti still leads the Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie standings despite not competing in the last three events.