Per doctors’ instructions, Dario Franchitti retires from racing

The IndyCar champion, Dario Franchitti, announced on Thursday that injuries he suffered in a crash in October prevent him from being able to race any longer. He endured a serious wreck at the Houston Grand Prix, and ended up with a broken back, a broken ankle and a concussion. He was hoping to make a comeback in 2014, continuing his 31-win career.

“Since my racing accident in Houston, I have been in the expert care of some of the leading doctors and nurses, all of whom have made my health, my safety and my recovery their top priority,” Franchitti said in a statement. “I am eternally grateful for the medical care I have received over the last several weeks. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for their unbelievable support.

“One month removed from the crash and based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing. They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop.”