Four-time IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti was injured in a multicar accident near the end of Sundays Grand Prix of Houston. According to IndyCar medical director Dr. Michael Olinger, Franchitti was awake and alert at the scene of the crash. He was transported by ground to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, where it was determined he sustained a concussion, a spinal fracture that will not require surgery, and a fracture to his right ankle. He underwent surgery on the ankle and will remain hospitalized overnight. A considerable amount of debris, including a wheel and tire assembly, flew toward a spectator area near Turn 5 of the 1.7-mile temporary track that winds through Reliant Park. Houston Fire Department spokesman Ruy Lozano said at least 13 people were treated for minor injuries, with two transported to Memorial Hermann. One of those transported was IndyCar timing and scoring worker Kim Tyger, whose injuries were called ‘very minor” by the sanctioning organization.(See full story at ESPN.com )(10-7-2013) UPDATE: Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti was released from Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center in Houston today. He will be traveling to Indianapolis where he will be reevaluated over the next few days and ultimately await a second surgery to his right ankle, which had previously been stabilized. ‘Im overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and Im thankful to have such a great family and such wonderful friends and fans. Thanks to everyone at the hospital and the track who took such good care of me during my stay in Houston. I look forward to watching Scott, Alex and the Target team next weekend on television, and will be pulling for them as they go for another championship’ said Dario Franchitti.( CGR )
