Franchitti takes rain-shortened Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS, May 27 (UPI) -- No.27 Andretti Green Racing driver Dario Franchitti won the rain-shortened Indianapolis 500 Sunday, just ahead of Scott Dixon.

Helio Castroneves started in the pole position, but only held the lead for one lap, before surrendering it briefly to Tony Kanaan. Castroneves took the lead back after the second lap, and held onto it through lap 15, but then he and Kanaan swapped the lead back and forth, with Sam Hornish Jr. behind them.

Franchitti eventually took over, and built up a lead of more than three seconds on lap 89 -- as bad weather threatened.

The 33-car field was under caution on lap 112 when it began to rain and the red flag came out on lap 113.

The race resumed after a three-hour delay.

Marco Andretti took the lead for a time before Kanaan overtook him, and Kanaan was in front when rain threatened again.

Franchitti was one of four drivers who passed up a pit stop to remain on the track -- taking the risk that they might run out of fuel before the rain began to fall again -- but the gamble paid off for Franchitti, who picked up his first win at Indy.