Dario takes off the Wheels

By Chuck Green on November 20, 2013

Dario hoists the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg championship trophy (photo Chuck Green / Cg Photography)

Dario Franchitti Retires

By: Chuck Green

Four time Izod Indy Car series champion and three time Indy 500 winner, Dario Franchitti announced last week that he will retire from racing effective immediately. Dario was involved in a last lap accident at the Grand Prix of Houston, resulting in head, and spinal injuries and a fracture of one ankle.

Dario stated in a release November 14, 2013 “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. 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.”

Ganassi racing team owner, Chip Ganassi, said filling the seat vacated by Dario would take some time, “Frankly, our thoughts have been more with Dario and his recovery than filling the seat, Ganassi stated, we will look at all options before making the decision as to who we will put in the car.” Ganassi also reassured, the team is committed to a four car effort for 2014 with reigning series champion Scott Dixon, along with Charlie Kimball, and perennial fan favorite Tony Kannan. Of course the fourth and final drive has yet to be announced.

We will miss Franchitti tearing up the St. Petersburgh streets every March (photo Chuck Green / Cg Photography)

Franchitti retires with 31 Indy Car victories, one of which came at the 2011 Grand Prix of Saint Petersburg, and also includes 3 Borg-Warner Indy 500 trophies, he finishes his career with 33 poles.

Dario’s’ future is uncertain as he recovers from his injuries at his home in Scotland, but after thirty plus years in the sport it would be a safe bet that we will see Dario before the 2014 season is over, maybe as a driver coach, or in the Television broadcast booth providing color commentary, wherever Dario lands, he will be missed behind the wheel of the #10 Target car.