Marino Franchitti was thrilled to be part of Level 5 Motorsports P2 victory at Sebring today, but he is not hanging around to celebrate too much tomorrow.

The popular Scotsman can’t wait to jump on a plane to race home to England to meet his new biggest fan, his one week old son, Luca.

Franchitti arrived for Sebring a week ago and was woken up on his first morning back in the US with the news that his wife Holly was about to deliver Luca early. He obviously takes after his Dad – in a hurry to get to victory lane early.

Franchitti today teamed with Ryan Briscoe and Level 5 boss Scott Tucker to earn the win. The team actually finished 1-2 with Simon Pagenaud and Ryan Hunter-Reay taking second – also teamed with Tucker.

“Iron man” Tucker actually drove for more than six hours in the two cars.

“I have to say it was great to have my brother (Dario) here as my helmet carrier,” Franchitti said.

“I have been a second place finisher here in almost every class. Level 5, Honda and HPD have done such a great job all week. The team works so hard and see how close they were in qualifying. Thanks to those guys for handing over the great car to me.

“This Rolex was a great surprise, especially when I showed it to McNish. These are the ones I want to win, Sebring, Petit, Le Mans, Daytona, great win that you want to get, and I have a Sebring.

“This win is a massive release of emotions. I got woken up on an early Friday morning that our son was arriving. My son is a week old and I haven’t even met him.

“Everyone in the paddock has been so nice. All the fans, it’s been so great. I might wear it, but this watch is my son’s when he turns eighteen.”