Indianapolis 500 Victory Tour stops in New York

Dario Franchitti's first day as Indianapolis 500 champion began early with numerous photo shoots – including one for his likeness to be crafted for the Borg-Warner Trophy. Day 2 began even earlier as he departed Indianapolis for a four-city Victory Tour.

First stop: New York.

Franchitti was a guest on the popular morning TV show "Live with Regis and Kelly," where he recounted the soggy day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Among other TV, print and radio interviews on the first day of the Victory Tour, Franchitti was able to squeeze in a visit to The Parlour on West 86th Street – a renowned hangout for Glasgow Celtic supporters, including the 500-Mile Race champion.

"When (wife) Ashley (Judd) was doing a play on Broadway, we lived in upper Manhattan and I would go there and watch the Celtic games," he said. "It's a place I'm familiar with and a good place to hang out with other Scots who are passionate about their football."

ESPN, Fox Sports, CNN, SportsNet, Fox and Friends and "New York Live" appearances followed.

May 30's stop on the Victory Tour includes an appearance that might be more stressful than the 2-hour, 57-minute rain delay on May 27. Franchitti will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Minute Maid Park in Houston before the Astros' game against the Cincinnati Reds.

"That was a problem; I have never thrown a baseball," he said. "That should be interesting. Hopefully, I will put a decent throw over. I played cricket in school, but I was really bad at it. I preferred rugby."