Dario moving to NASCAR?

He’s successful. He’s articulate and smart. He has a nice, bright, well-spoken wife. He’s easy on the eyes. He’s won the Indy 500 and the Indy Racing League title. And besides, the Tri-State’s hometown favorite momma, Naomi Judd, likes him.

Dario Franchitti is mulling a move to NASCAR next season with Chip Ganassi Racing. And according to Sports Illustrated, it’s a done deal. David Stremme is out, Dario is in.

Won’t that be an interesting pairing. And mightn't Chip have his hands full?

The fans haven’t exactly embraced Dario’s potential teammate, Juan Pablo Montoya, affectionately called Juan Problem Montoya by some.

I have to admit, I had secret smiles at Bristol every time JPM was walked up the track toward the wall. But on a redeeming note, when his car burst into flames the other night I was concerned and screaming at the TV, "get out, get out, get out!" I never want to see any driver or crew member get hurt.

Even ABC’s NASCAR in Primetime specials haven’t made Montoya likeable. He comes across as elitist, brash and abrasive with an agenda to run over anyone and anything that gets in his way.

Yeah, yeah, sounds like the southern good old boys.

But back to the Scotsman.

Franchitti wants a few weeks to enjoy his IRL title before making such a major life decision. Who can blame him? Junior took a few weeks after announcing his departure from DEI before starting the decision making process as to his future.

Dario Franchitti in NASCAR would be another good reason to show up at the track.

I may eventually warm up to JPM, but so far, not so. I’ve begun to sort of like – but not pull for – Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, I’m finding redeeming values in them, mostly in the charity circuit. I already like Franchitti. But then again, I like Sam Hornish Jr., too. I can take or leave Danica. She’s good for the gender, but not necessarily for the sport, although she finished 7th overall this season.

By the way, Hornish has been running some Busch races for his owner Roger Penske and will make his Cup debut this weekend at New Hampshire.

We already say Tony Stewart can drive the wheels off any racecar of any type. Dario and Sam moving to NASCAR is just another cog in proving just how good a driver you are in many categories.

More IRL notes:

Helio Castroneves will be on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars this fall. Can his slick moves on the track translate to the dance floor? Time will tell.

And Dario, despite the Indy 500 win and the IRL title, still doesn’t make as much money as his wife, Ashley Judd. You go, girl!