On Sunday, May 27, 2012, Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti crossed the finish line at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway to claim his third Indianapolis 500 win and giving Chip Ganassi his fifth victory as a team owner.  Millions of fans from around the world were engaged in the post-race celebration as they watched Franchitti drive his No. 50 Target Honda to Victory Lane, celebrate with his team and family, take that world-famous sip of milk, and kiss the Yard of Bricks. 

 

What those millions of fans don’t get to see after the IMS gates have closed and the broadcast ends for the 96th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is the whirlwind of activities planned for the Indy 500 Winner Victory Tour. Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Franchitti’s schedule, starting with Indy 500 Race Day:

 

Sunday, May 27
8:30 am – Race meeting with Chip, team managers, and engineers
9:45 am – Target hospitality appearance

11:00 am – Walk down Gasoline Alley with Chip, Scott and Bullseye, the Target dog
11:10 am – Arrive in the Green Room
11:30 am – Driver introductions
12:00 pm – Start of the 96th Running of the Indianapolis 500
                   Post-race Victory Lane celebration, press conference and media obligations.
10:00 pm - Celebrate with friends and family

 

Monday, May 28
7:00  am – Wake-up call
7:30 am – ARRIVE at IMS 
7:30 am – LIVE phone interview with Mike and Mike in the Morning
7:45 am – LIVE satellite interview with CNN Starting Point
8:15 am – LIVE phone interview with SiriusXM Radio
8:30 am – Taped interview with CNN International
8:40 am – RACER Magazine Cover Shoot
9:00 am – Borg Warner Trophy Photo Shoot
9:05 am – Herf Jones Indianapolis 500 ring Photo Shoot
9:30 am – Traditional Champion’s Photo Shoot
                Location: Yard of Bricks
10:45 am – phone interview with MRN Radio
10:50 am – phone interview with WNDE-AM (Indianapolis)
11:00 am – Media availability with print media
5:00 pm – Indianapolis 500 Victory Banquet
                Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 

Tuesday, May 29
5:00 am – Wake-up call
6:00 am – Wheels up to Dallas/Fort Worth
8:30 am – Arrive in Dallas/Fort Worth.
9:30 am – LIVE in-studio with WFAA-TV (ABC)
10:10 am – LIVE in-studio with KTCK-FM (Sports/Talk)
11:30 am – Media Lunch at Mercury Chop House
      • Dario and Mayor Price of Ft. Worth arrive at lunch in horse-drawn carriage
      • Mayor Price welcomes media and presents Dario with a gift
      • Lunch 
      • Moderated Q & A
      • Introduction of “Color Me A Little Indy” Contestants  
      • Dario helps unveil the contestants artwork and selects winner
      • Interview session with Local Media
5:00 pm – Wheels up to New York City
7:00 pm – Airplane diverted because of weather to Nashville

Wednesday, May 30
2:00 am – Wake-up call
3:00 am – Wheels up to New York City
6:50 am – Arrive at Fox and Friends
7:20 am – LIVE in-studio interview on Fox and Friends
7:45 am – Arrive at WPIX-TV PIX11 Morning News
8:15 am – LIVE in-studio at WPIX-TV PIX11 Morning News
9:00 am – LIVE interview with WFAN-AM –Boomer Esaison and Craig Carton
9:50 am – LIVE Phone Interview with KABC-AM – Doug McIntyre Show
10:00 am – ARRIVE at SIRIUS XM offices
10:20 am – LIVE interview on Playboy Radio Morning Show
10:40 am – LIVE interview on “Beyond the Brink” with John Feinstein and Bruce Murray
11:00 am – LIVE interview on “Freewheelin’” with Chris T. and Meredith Ochs
12:00 pm – Media Lunch at the Boat House
      • Young Hollywood
      • Complex
      • Jalopnik.com
      • Forbes.com
      • SportsNet New York
      • Local news stations (WPIX, WCBS, WNBC and FOX)
2:15 pm – Sit-down interview with Men’s Journal “Dario’s Favorite Things”
3:15 pm – ARRIVE back at SIRIUS XM offices
3:30 pm – LIVE interview on “Speedway” with Dave Moody
4:45 pm – ARRIVE at Bloomberg TV
6:30 pm – Wheels up for Detroit and Belle Isle race weekend