Advertisement

Dario Franchitti announces retirement month after crash

Doctors told Dario Franchitti that his injuries were too severe for him to continue his racing career.

By Kate Stanton
Dario Franchitti takes a break after completing a practice run for the 96th Indianapolis 500 on May 17, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. UPI/Ed Locke
Dario Franchitti takes a break after completing a practice run for the 96th Indianapolis 500 on May 17, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. UPI/Ed Locke | License Photo

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti suffered a concussion and fractures to his spine and ankle when his car crashed into the fence during a Houston race last month.

Franchitti and two other fans were sent to the hospital, but the 40-year-old Scot sustained injuries so severe that doctors have advised him to quit racing.

Advertisement

"One month removed from the crash and based on the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing," Franchitti said in a statement Thursday.

"They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop. Racing has been my life for over 30 years and it's really tough to think that the driving side is now over," he added.

Franchitti's estranged wife, Ashley Judd, rushed to his side after the crash, tweeting: "Thank you for the prayers for @dariofranchitti I have only clothes on my back & the dogs but that's all that we need & we are on our way."

Advertisement

Her response has since led to speculation that the pair will reunite.

You can read his full statement in the Twitter message below:

Latest Headlines

Advertisement

Trending Stories

Advertisement

Follow Us

Advertisement