Dario Franchitti Returns to Track as Spectator

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Dario Franchitti was back with his Chip Ganassi Racing teammates at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, in street clothes, as a reluctant spectator because of his forced retirement from racing.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner announced in November that doctors had advised him it was too dangerous to resume his career following an accident in an IndyCar race at Houston in October. Franchitti fractured his spine, broke his ankle and suffered a concussion in the wreck.

He said from inside the Ganassi team tent on pit road that his recovery is progressing. He still walks with a noticeable limp, and is still undergoing therapy.

Franchitti plans to stay involved with the Ganassi organization, working with the drivers and engineers.