With the sun setting over Talladega Superspeedway after Friday evening’s ARCA race, Dario Franchitti had completed his own version of “Talladega Nights.”
Franchitti, the 2007 Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series champion, finished 17th in a 250-mile ARCA race, a lower division of stock-car racing, as he took the first step toward a full NASCAR Nextel Cup campaign in 2008.
“I’m relieved I didn’t do anything stupid,” Franchitti said. “I’m really happy with what I learned but I’m disappointed with where I finished. It’s a start. It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position.
“It was really good fun. I learned a lot. The first part I was drafting like an IndyCar but then I started bump drafting. Now, that was fun.”
If Franchitti had attempted a “bump draft” in an IndyCar, he would have likely gone for one of his famous wild rides such as the airborne experiences he had at Michigan Int’l Speedway and Kentucky Speedway in August.
Franchitti qualified sixth on Thursday afternoon but had to start at the rear of the field Friday because of an engine change. But the driver from Edinburgh, Scotland was able to make his way forward in a Target-Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge.
“It was a learning exercise,” Franchitti said. “I learned so much today. The car got a little tight at the end, so I had to settle for where I was at but it was great fun. I’m looking forward to the short tracks. I can’t wait to get to Bristol and Martinsville. Now that’s going to be fun.”
Franchitti was one of two “open-wheel” drivers in Friday’s race. Scott Speed, who competed in Formula One the last two seasons, finished seventh in a race won by Michael Annett of Des Moines, Iowa.
Franchitti called it “learning on the job” but proved to be a quick study. Although his finish isn’t as impressive as Juan Pablo Montoya’s ARCA debut in this race last year, when he finished third, he displayed savvy and patience and did not drive over his head.
“I’ve never been under the illusion a stock car would be easy,” Franchitti admitted. “But I’ve done one ARCA race. What do I know?”
Not only is it an adjustment in the race car, but it’s also a cultural change for the Scotsman who lives with his wife, actress Ashley Judd, near Nashville, Tenn.
“I was sitting in the car on pit road and an ARCA official asked me if I spoke English,” Franchitti said. “I told him that I do. Then, he said, ‘You speak English really well.’”
He was coached by Montoya before Friday’s race and the two of them plan on taking in some of the bizarre night-life experience across the street at the camping lot, where the denizens are known for drunken debauchery while passing out “Mardi Gras” beads.
“Juan has promised to take me across the street in his souped-up golf cart,” Franchitti said.
Franchitti’s decision to come to NASCAR was made a long time ago, even when he was battling Scott Dixon for the 2007 IndyCar title. But the announcement was delayed until Wednesday after team owner Chip Ganassi was able to negotiate an early exit for Franchitti from the Andretti Green Racing IndyCar operation.
 One day later, he was at Talladega Superspeedway preparing to climb into a stock car for the first time.
After winning the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar title, Franchitti got a bit of a reality check when he ended up standing in line for a paper credential at ARCA Registration before he could go into the race track.
“We stood in line at ARCA this morning then went over to Cup where we were in and out in two seconds,” Franchitti said. “Everybody has to stand in line.”
Welcome to Talladega, Mr. Indy 500 winner.