It was the final lap at the Grand Prix of Houston on October 6 in the Reliant Stadium area when Franchitti's car was involved in a wreck that sent debris in the stands, injuring more than a dozen spectators. Franchitti suffered a concussion, a fracture to the spine and had surgery on his right ankle.
"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," said Franchitti in a release. "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 ends his career with 31 IndyCar wins and 33 poles, which is sixth on the all-time list.
"Dario Franchitti has done so much for Target Chip Ganassi Racing so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season," said Chip Ganassi, Team Owner. "But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the race track by everyone in the paddock and in the stands."
Overall, Franchitti made 265 career IndyCar starts. His four championships are second only to AJ Foyt on the all-time list.
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