Scottish IndyCar Series driver Dario Franchitti has had quite a week. In an abrupt turn of events, Franchitti went from the race track at Houston’s Reliant Park to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center. Now, he’s being replaced by Alex Tagliani in the upcoming IndyCar season finale.

Target Chip Ganassi announced on Wednesday that veteran IndyCar driver, Alex Tagliani would replace Franchitti in the season finale at Fontana, USA Today reported.

Tagliani released an official statement in wake of the recent changes to the season finale line-up. “As a driver you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I’m up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott and the whole Target team,” said Tagliani.

Tagliani also sent well wishes to Franchitti and posted a picture of him on Twitter as he was discharged from the hospital. The tweet made a light-hearted reference to Franchitti’s injury and his dogs that were photographed with him.
https://twitter.com/tagliani/statuses/388398380461740032

For those who aren’t aware of how the turn of events took place, here’s the gist: On Sunday, Franchitti was involved in a serious auto crash that occurred during the IndyCar series at Reliant Park in Houston, TX. During the race, the left side of Franchitti’s car made contact with Takuma Sato’s.

The impact sent the front end of Franchitti’s car airborne, crashing into the catch-fence. Debris from the fence and Franchitti’s car flew into one of the grandstands, hitting several fans and spectators. A total of 14 people, which was comprised of 13 fans and an IndyCar official, were hurt as a result of the accident.

The four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, was placed on a stretched and taken by ambulance to the Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center. It was later revealed that Franchitti suffered two spinal fracture, a broken ankle, and a concussion.

However, Franchitti has maintained high spirits. Franchitti took time to issue a short statement via Twitter. He shared his concern for the injured spectators and thanked the fans for their support.

I would also like to send my best to all the fans involved in the accident and hope that everyone is alright.

— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) October 7, 2013

I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and I’m thankful to have such a great family and such wonderful friends and fans.

— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) October 10, 2013

Thanks to everyone at the hospital and the track who took such good care of me during my stay in Houston.

— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) October 10, 2013

 
Image via Twitter | Dario Franchitti