INDIANAPOLIS, June 19 (UPI) -- Dario Franchitti will miss the remainder of the IRL IndyCar Series season because of back surgery.
In early April, Franchitti fractured his back in a motorcycle accident in his native Scotland, causing him to miss the Indy Japan 300, Indianapolis 500, and Bombardier 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Franchitti, 30, returned June 15 for the Honda Indy 225 at Pikes Peak International Raceway and finished fourth. It was his best showing in three starts this year, his first in the IndyCar Series.
"I'm really disappointed that I will not be able to compete for the remainder of the IRL season," he said. "After assessing the options available, I feel that to do the surgery now is the best thing for me."
The surgery has not been scheduled. He said the procedure will allow him to return to 100 percent for Andretti Green Racing, for which he will compete for the 2004 IndyCar Series championship and in the Indianapolis 500.
