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Dario Franchitti retires after doctors’ crash concerns

Michael James

Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti has retired.

Dario Franchitti, the three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar titlist, retired November 14 upon his doctors’ recommendations in the aftermath of his crash about five weeks ago in Houston,Texas.

Franchitti, 40, fractured his spine, broke his right ankle and suffered a concussion in the Oct. 6 IndyCar race.

Franchitti’s car made contact with Takuma Sato’s vehicle on the last lap and sailed into a fence. Debris from the accident injured 13 fans in the grandstands and one IndyCar official.

Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti has retired.
Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti has retired.

“One month removed from the crash and based upon 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, according to an Associated Press report. “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.”

Franchitti underwent two surgeries on his ankle and recently returned home to Scotland to recover.

Franchitti was nearly unbeatable in recent years of IndyCar racing. He won three consecutive championships and claimed 12 races, including two Indy 500 titles.

With his retirement, Franchitti’s career includes 31 victories, eighth on the all-time list. He also began 33 races in the pole position, sixth best in history.

The outgoing driver was additionally popular because of his former 11-year marriage to actress Ashley Judd. The couple divorced in January.

Franchitti’s last victory was the 2012 Indy 500, an emotional race that came seven months after defending winner Dan Wheldon had been killed in a crash at Las Vegas.

Article Last Updated: November 14, 2013.

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