Franchitti says he possibly could have driven at Talladega
By Kenny Bruce - Assistant Managing Editor
Monday, April 28, 2008
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TALLADEGA, Ala. – Dario Franchitti, standing outside his team’s hauler at Talladega Superspeedway, said he felt he could have started Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
Instead, it was former Chip Ganassi Racing driver David Stremme who started the team’s No. 40 Dodge, subbing for the injured rookie of the year candidate.
Franchitti was injured in a crash early during Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race. A cut tire sent Franchitti into the wall in Turn 1, and after his car slid back down the track, it was struck in the driver’s-side door by MSRP Motorsports’ Larry Gunselman.
After being evaluated at the track’s infield care center, Franchitti was transported to Physicians Medical Center Carraway in Birmingham, Ala., where he was treated for a broken ankle and released.
“I could probably drive today if they’d let me,” Franchitti said. “Last night, I probably couldn’t have.”
Franchitti said he will travel to Indianapolis to visit with noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Terry Trammell for further evaluation on Monday. Team officials say they expect Franchitti to miss two to three races while recovering.
“I felt everyone had passed and missed me [during the wreck],” Franchitti said. “I tried to keep the car up against the wall and then gravity just pulled it back down.”
Franchitti said he was never unconscious, and that he hasn’t seen a replay of the incident.
“No ... I don’t like to watch my old wrecks,” he said.
A standout in open-wheel competition, the 34-year-old Franchitti qualified for seven of the first eight Cup races this year with a best finish of 22nd at Martinsville. He was 38th in points heading into the Talladega event.
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Dario Franchitti
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