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GOODWOOD REVIVAL
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time
IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti will return to
racing at next month’s Goodwood Revival for the
first time since his career-ending 2013 accident.
Franchitti, now 46, walked away from his top-flight
US single-seater career in 2013 on medical advice
after he suffered a spinal fracture and concussion.
A final-lap collision at Houston as he clipped the
stricken car of Takuma Sato sent Franchitti airborne
and into the catch fencing. Combined with injuries
previously sustained, the risk of permanent paralysis
from any further crashes meant Franchitti retired
from competitive motorsport.
Franchitti, who will drive in two races at the Revival
on 13-15 September, said: “I’m delighted to be returning
to competition at this year’s Goodwood Revival. I really
thought my racing days were behind me but it’s tough
to give up something that has been a part of my life for
so long and that I love so much. Of course, this won’t
mean a return to front-line competition – so no Indy
- It’s simply enjoying the sport I love as an amateur.”
Franchitti will drive a Ferrari 250 GT SWB in the
Friday twilight Kinrara Trophy race for pre-1963 GT
cars. It is the first time the Ferrari has raced since its
crash at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1962.
Nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom
Kristensen and five-time winner Emanuele Pirro
have also been confirmed for the race.
In addition, Franchitti will pilot an ex-Jack Sears
works AC Cobra in the Royal Automobile Club Tourist
Trophy race for 1960-64 GT cars. He will share the car
with renowned historic driver Gregor Fisken.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped make
this possible, in particular my family, friends and my
doctors,” Franchitti added. “I’m also grateful to the
Duke of Richmond and everyone at Goodwood for
being so supportive over the years.”
Franchitti, who regularly demonstrates cars at the
Festival of Speed, will join other names competing in
the Revival, such as four-time NASCAR Cup champion
Jeff Gordon and ex-MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa.
MATT KEW
INDY CHAMP FRANCHITTI
TO RACE AGAIN AT REVIVAL
Goodwood regular
Franchitti hasn’t
raced since 2013
IndyCar shunt
J BLOXHAM