I almost quit, says Dario

As Lewis Hamilton forgot his Monaco Grand Prix misery by DJ-ing in the principality's most exclusive club, another Briton was making history on the opposite side of the Atlantic.

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Dario Franchitti, married to Hollywood actress Ashley Judd, was stepping out of his wife's shadow by winning the other most glamorous motor race in the world - the Indianapolis 500.

After a day of drama he became the first Scot to claim the prize since Jim Clark 42 years ago.

Franchitti, eight days after celebrating his 34th birthday, was delighted to emulate his hero at the event's 91st running. He said: "It's the most fantastic feeling of my life. It all kind of made sense when I turned around and saw the giant Borg-Warner Trophy. I saw some of the names, including Jim's and then I was in awe. It's such a humbling experience.

"I've dreamed of this since I was a kid and to finally achieve it is truly a dream come true."

Franchitti, a friend of Formula One star David Coulthard, won after the race was reduced to just 166 laps when a storm forced a halt. Now the Andretti Green Racing driver believes his achievement will breathe new life into his career.

"'I don't see me quitting any time soon," he said. "There's a good few years left now and a championship is possible."

After failing to realise his potential in America after a decade there, Franchitti even admitted that he had considered quitting.

He said: "I wasn't sure how much more I wanted to do. We had a fairly average year last year, but my motivation is back."

No wonder. He is third in the Indy Racing League, just three points behind leader Scott Dixon after five of the 17 races.

Franchitti, now living in Nashville, is also pleased to have Marco Andretti, grandson of team owner Mario, as his race partner, believing it has helped reinvigorate his enthusiasm.

He explained: "One of the things that really helps is having a 20-year-old teammate. To see things through Marco's eyes is pretty cool. I've really had some fantastic team-mates, but I don't think we'll ever have this situation again.

"It really is a privilege to be part of this team."

As well as giving him the lift he needs to chase for an Indy title, Franchitti feels his victory will inspire other British drivers to join him and Englishmen Dan Weldon, Indy 500 winner in 2005, and Darren Manning racing in America.

"I've been over here now 10 years," he said. "Obviously, Dan has made a hell of an impact. It's good to see. So the more the merrier, definitely."

While Franchitti slurped the traditional celebratory milk, Hamilton was on the decks at Monte Carlo's Amber Lounge for an hour.

It cost £450 to get in. Nevertheless, Britain's most celebrated driver would surely, however briefly, have swapped places with one of our lesser-known stars at any price.