Dario Franchitti wrecked During Sunday’s Grand Prix of Houston, injuring 13 spectators and sending the driver to the hospital.
The wreck happened in the last lap of the IndyCar race, when Japanese driver Takuma Sato bumped into Franchitti’s car. The hit sent the car airborne into the protective fencing.
From there, the IndyCar spun against the fence several time, sending shards of debris flying into the audience and shearing off part of its side.
Franchitti appeared to be moving after the wreck, though his condition wasn’t immediately known. Two of the 13 injured spectators were taken to local hospitals, while the rest were treated at the scene.
The native Scotland driver is a three-time Indianapolis 500 and was married to actress Ashley Judd for 11 years. The couple ended their marriage in January. Team owner Chip Ganassi reported that Dario Franchitti was sore, but awake and alert after the horrific wreck.
Ganassi added that his driver was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital, likely for tests and observation. The team owner asked Franchitti if he was okay, and the driver responded, “I’m not sure.” Photos and video from the scene were enough to shock and concern fans and fellow drivers alike
Teammate Scott Dixon drove through the wreck seconds after the debris settled. He waved at Franchitti, who he saw moving inside the cockpit, but his teammate didn’t respond. Dixon called the television replay of Franchitti’s wreck “the big shocker.”
Still shot of crash @ Houston Grand Prix. It’s a still frame from viewer video. See The video @ 5:00. pic.twitter.com/rRWDB9hfOU
— KPRC Local 2 Houston (@KPRCLocal2) October 6, 2013
Franchetti’s last-lap crash diverted attention from a dramatic change in the IndyCar standings heading into the final race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Dixon ended up Second and Helio Castroneves was 23rd, creating a big shift in the standings. While Dixon entered the weekend trailing by 49 points, he left leading by 25 points after he won Saturday’s first race.
It is unclear when an update will be given on Dario Franchitti’s condition.
[Image via Photo Works / Shutterstock.com ]