MSPs slam Dario 'snub'

THERE have been calls for more recognition for Scots racing driver Dario Franchitti following back-to-back wins on the American IndyCar circuit.

MSPs expressed disappointment that Franchitti, who hails from Bathgate, was not more widely nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Franchitti, who is married to American actress Ashley Judd, won the 2007 BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year.

However, despite being the first British driver to win two Indy 500 championships, he was overlooked for the most recent BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which went to jockey Tony McCoy.

SNP MSP Ian McKee has now lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament encouraging the BBC to "give more coverage to Scotland's world-class sportsmen and women".