TALLADEGA, Ala., April 26 (UPI) -- Dario Franchitti was injured Saturday during Saturday's Aaron's 312 Nationwide Series race at the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, which was won by Tony Stewart.
The extent of Franchitti's injuries was not disclosed in a NASCAR.com release about the four-car accident involving Franchitti and points leader Clint Bowyer. An observer said Franchitti -- a native of Edinburgh, Scotland -- suffered an ankle injury and was pulled out of his car on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to the racetrack's emergency care center.
Later, he was transported to a local hospital for observation.
Franchitti's Dodge lost its right rear tire on the 10th lap, bounced into the wall, spun down the track and drifted down to the racetrack's apron. The car driven by Larry Gunselman slammed into Franchitti's side door.
Franchitti, who joined the NASCAR circuit this season, is best known in this country as the husband of actress Ashley Judd.
He won the 2007 IndyCar points championship and the 2007 Indianapolis 500.
