Franchitti set to race again, six years after horror crash
SCOTS racing legend Dario Franchitti will return to motorsport action next month almost six years after he last raced competitively. The 46-year-old four-time IndyCar and triple Indy 500 champion will race at the Goodwood Revival.
Franchitti hasn’t been able to race since a horrifying IndyCar crash on the final lap of the Grand Prix of Houston on October 6, 2013. His injuries, which included a spinal fracture and concussion, combined with previous serious concussions and back injuries which dramatically increased the risk of permanent paralysis, forced him to retire from competitive motorsport.
But now the Scot has finally been given medical clearance to go racing and will contest two races at the Revival over the September 13-15 weekend.
“I’m delighted to be returning to competition at this year’s Goodwood Revival,” Franchitti said. “I really thought my racing days were behind me.
“It is tough to give up something that has been a part of my life for so long and that I love so much.
“Of course, this won’t mean a return to front-line competition – so no Indy 500 or Le Mans – but simply enjoying the sport I love as an amateur.”
Franchitti will drive a Ferrari 250 GT SWB in the Kinrara Trophy race for pre-1963 GT cars and will then partner fellow Scot Gregor Fisken in the RAC Tourist Trophy Celebration race in one of the most historic AC Cobras, the 1963-built, registration 39 PH, featuring a Carroll Shelby-built engine.
Jim McGill