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Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, climbs into his car during practice for IndyCar's Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Darron Cummings, Associated Press
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FILE - In this Feb. 29, 2008, file photo, drivers Jimmie Johnson, left, and Dario Franchitti laugh together during a qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. Between them, they have nine championship Isaac Brekken, File, Associated Press
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Jimmie Johnson reacts in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint All-Star auto race in Concord, N.C., Saturday, May 19, 2012. Chuck Burton, Associated Press
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Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, smiles as he waits in the pit area for his crew to ready his car during practice for IndyCar's Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Darron Cummings, Associated Press

By Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — They've got nine championships between them, and a combined five victories on the single most prolific day of racing of the year.

Dario Franchitti and Jimmie Johnson also share a friendship, even if it's from afar. They follow each other's races, text back and forth during the season and give the public a glimpse of their mutual admiration via Twitter.

They are, for the most part, the most decorated drivers over the last six years from their respective series.

Johnson's record run of five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles was snapped last season, but Franchitti won his third-straight title to make it four championships in the last five IndyCar seasons.

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Both will be on the center stage Sunday for the biggest day of motorsports.

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