Unsurprisingly, there’s been an overwhelming outpouring of reactions to the news Dario Franchitti will be forced to retire from racing after his injuries suffered in Houston.
We sifted through Twitter and several statements – they’re coming pretty fast and furious – and suffice to say the below copy is no means complete. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of reactions from across the racing world that are coming to honor Franchitti’s excellent career.
Several statements are below, from Franchitti’s team owner Chip Ganassi, the IndyCar Series, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi:
“Dario Franchitti has done so much for Target Chip Ganassi Racing so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season. But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the race track by everyone in the paddock and in the stands. His contributions to the sport of motor racing are too many to list but I can tell you that they go way beyond what he has done on the track. What’s both impressive and unique about Dario is that he has always been a student of racing, someone who not only appreciates the actual science of the sport but also the rich heritage of those racers that have gone before him. This news only serves as the start of next chapter in Dario Franchitti’s racing career – which I expect will be here with Target Chip Ganassi Racing.”
IndyCar Series:
“As a four-time IndyCar Series champion and a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Dario Franchitti has etched his name among the greats of this sport, and his legacy will continue to influence future generations of competitors. His passion was born, in part, from a deep love for the sport and a reverence to its history, and Dario carries that heritage everywhere he travels and shares it with everyone he meets. Dario’s leadership on and off the track has helped shape INDYCAR, and we look forward to him remaining involved in the sport he loves.”
Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
“In over 100 years of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dario Franchitti stands in very exclusive company as just one of only ten drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 three or more times,” said J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Dario’s competitive drive, coupled with his passion for and appreciation of the history of the Indianapolis 500 made him a fan favorite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But it is his willingness to invest time to promote our sport outside of the car, to mentor young drivers aspiring to drive at Indianapolis, and to interact with our fans that make him one of the all-time great champions and ambassadors of the Indianapolis 500. We will miss him competing every May, but we look forward to celebrating his accomplishments in the Indianapolis 500 for years to come.”
Franchitti tweeted this this afternoon:
A sad day but I’m eternally grateful… pic.twitter.com/h9ozPEOf7S
— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) November 14, 2013
And here’s a mere handful of reactions from the IndyCar Twitterverse. A simple Twitter search for Dario Franchitti will generate hundreds, if not thousands, more.
@dariofranchitti gutted. Amazing teammate and a legend in sport. Stoked to say your a BFF 🙂 luv ya pal
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) November 14, 2013
As a teammate @dariofranchitti; represents what’s right about Motorsports w/ unselfish integrity of a great Champion – it sets him apart.
— Mike Hull (@IndyMHull) November 14, 2013
Can’t believe the news @dariofranchitti You’re one of the very best @indycar drivers in history. Feel lucky to have shared the track w/you
— Ryan Hunter-Reay (@RyanHunterReay) November 14, 2013
Very sad news to hear that @dariofranchitti will not be back next year… will go down as one of the all time greats in racing and @IndyCar
— Will Power (@12WillPower) November 14, 2013
Sad day with @dariofranchitti news but most importantly, he is my friend, and as much as it hurts not seeing… http://t.co/X0k5FUjZin
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) November 14, 2013
Incredible career for a wonderful man, @dariofranchitti you are a champ and a legend, thanks for what you have done for our sport.
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) November 14, 2013
Very proud of my good buddy Dario , what a fantastic career !!! Your the best my friend @dariofranchitti
— paul tracy (@paultracy3) November 14, 2013
You are always such a reference amigo. RT @dariofranchitti: A sad day but I’m eternally grateful… pic.twitter.com/dme6XJeYXS
— Oriol Servia (@OriolServia) November 14, 2013
Thanks @dariofranchitti for being such an inspiration. Incredibly lucky to have raced against you, congrats on all you achieved Champ.
— Tristan Vautier (@TristanVautier) November 14, 2013
Truly bummed to hear about @dariofranchitti you’re such a legend and a mentor to me. Wish I would’ve been able to race with you!
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) November 14, 2013
We wish you the best, @DarioFranchitti. You’ll always be part of the Andretti racing family. http://t.co/wtzYmXeDNM
I’m so sad about @dariofranchitti retirement!! We’ll miss on the track, ciao campione!
— Luca Filippi (@LucaFilippiLF) November 14, 2013
— Andretti Autosport (@FollowAndretti) November 14, 2013
Sad to hear pal @dariofranchitti retiring. With us since 1997, look and see. #TrueChampion, will be missed. pic.twitter.com/ERkUBjFAfx — Firestone Racing (@FirestoneRacing) November 14, 2013
@dariofranchitti We’re sending U #Hondalove as U enter this new chapter N life. You’re still #1 in our book! (Most wins for Honda driver-31) — Honda Racing / HPD (@HondaRacing_HPD) November 14, 2013
The brilliant @dariofranchitti is one of those guys you thought would simply drive forever. What a wonderful gift you’ve been to Motorsport!
— Leigh Diffey (@leighdiffey) November 14, 2013
@dariofranchitti Sad behind-the-wheel news today, but glad to know you’re on the mend. Praying for a full & speedy recovery! #MuchMoreToCome
— Jon Beekhuis (@JonBeekhuis) November 14, 2013
