[bears9]

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP)—Dario Franchitti broke his left ankle in a hard crash Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway that sent him and another racer to a hospital for observation.

Franchitti, who came to NASCAR this season as the reigning IndyCar Series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, also was treated for contusions and was unlikely to race Sunday in the Sprint Cup event.

Chip Ganassi Racing didn’t immediately announce a replacement driver, but David Stremme said following the race that the team had approached him about filling in. Stremme drove that car for two seasons before he was replaced by Franchitti this season.

Franchitti wrecked when his car apparently lost its right rear tire on the 10th lap of the Nationwide Series race.

His Dodge bounced into the wall and spun down the track, finally drifting down to the apron. It was there that the real damage was done—a car driven by Larry Gunselman slammed into his driver side door.

Franchitti injured in Talladega wreck - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by bears9

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP)—Dario Franchitti broke his left ankle in a hard crash Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway that sent him and another racer to a hospital for observation.

Franchitti, who came to NASCAR this season as the reigning IndyCar Series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, also was treated for contusions and was unlikely to race Sunday in the Sprint Cup event.

Chip Ganassi Racing didn’t immediately announce a replacement driver, but David Stremme said following the race that the team had approached him about filling in. Stremme drove that car for two seasons before he was replaced by Franchitti this season.

Franchitti wrecked when his car apparently lost its right rear tire on the 10th lap of the Nationwide Series race.

His Dodge bounced into the wall and spun down the track, finally drifting down to the apron. It was there that the real damage was done—a car driven by Larry Gunselman slammed into his driver side door.

Franchitti injured in Talladega wreck - NASCAR - Yahoo! Sports

Tough break for Franchitti.

[Racer Duck]

Stremme was doin' good until he dove head-on into that late race wreck. Too bad .. Ganassi needed a good finish out of that car and it looked like he was gonna get it!!!

[NASCAR Gnome]

I stated this in another thread, but after today's race, Stremme is a man's man! He said he would go (with his teammate the #42) and he most certainly did when the time came at risk to his own fate! As a cruel irony, he ended up left high and dry and later got caught up in the late race wreck-fest, but I have nothing but high praise and respect for the driver of the #40 on this day! It remains to be seen (because who am I to judge) but it should have been the #41 seat Franchitti filled, NOT the #40!

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by NASCAR Gnome

I stated this in another thread, but after today's race, Stremme is a man's man! He said he would go (with his teammate the #42) and he most certainly did when the time came at risk to his own fate! As a cruel irony, he ended up left high and dry and later got caught up in the late race wreck-fest, but I have nothing but high praise and respect for the driver of the #40 on this day! It remains to be seen (because who am I to judge) but it should have been the #41 seat Franchitti filled, NOT the #40!

in an interview published on NASCAR.com, Stremme states the problem wasn't one of performance or incompatibility, but a sponsor problem. he seems satisfied, at the momemt, with is role at Penske, though we all know he'd rather be in a regular cup ride than testing.

[SteelPhoenyx]

Originally Posted by NASCAR Gnome

I stated this in another thread, but after today's race, Stremme is a man's man! He said he would go (with his teammate the #42) and he most certainly did when the time came at risk to his own fate! As a cruel irony, he ended up left high and dry and later got caught up in the late race wreck-fest, but I have nothing but high praise and respect for the driver of the #40 on this day! It remains to be seen (because who am I to judge) but it should have been the #41 seat Franchitti filled, NOT the #40!

Stremme earned my respect this weekend. I'm hoping the guy finds another cup ride elsewhere. And hey, what do you know? RCR just happens to be looking for a 4th driver!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by SteelPhoenyx

Stremme earned my respect this weekend. I'm hoping the guy finds another cup ride elsewhere. And hey, what do you know? RCR just happens to be looking for a 4th driver!

Keep in mind that Tony is looking for a ride maybe. RCR has Chevy's. Tony, Chevy .... everyone happy ?????

[SteelPhoenyx]

hmmm, well, that is true, but as it was mentioned in another thread, General Mills probably doesn't want to wait a year for the car its going to sponsor.

While it would be nice for them to have a past champion in that car, (Bobby or Tony), young blood might be nice too... someone willing to grow and work with the new team.

Of course, Truex's contract is up this year too.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by SteelPhoenyx

hmmm, well, that is true, but as it was mentioned in another thread, General Mills probably doesn't want to wait a year for the car its going to sponsor.

While it would be nice for them to have a past champion in that car, (Bobby or Tony), young blood might be nice too... someone willing to grow and work with the new team.

Of course, Truex's contract is up this year too.

Can you say "Silly Silly Season".

[jks812]

Originally Posted by SteelPhoenyx

Of course, Truex's contract is up this year too.

DEI picked up the option on his contract for next year.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by jks812

DEI picked up the option on his contract for next year.

yeah, Truex is gonna be the big fish in a mid sized pond as Mark will begin phasing himself out at the end of this season...

[NASCAR Gnome]

To re-visit this issue... if Dario was in a COT, I believe that he'd PROBABLY been racing Sunday!

I saw the wreck in real-time and the moment I saw the hit on the driver's side, I said out loud "Oh God, I hope he's okay!" After that point, I kept waiting for updates about Dario because ESPN showed a lot of other stuff but my mind was focused on what happened to the driver of the #40 car!

When I saw him being helped to the ambulance, I knew the news would not be very good. Don't get me wrong, I was very relieved that he was alert and upright but I sensed he was hurt pretty bad...

Imagine if that happened to Dale Junior or Tony Stewart... the firestorm from upset people would be endless!!!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by jks812

DEI picked up the option on his contract for next year.

Truex says that DEI picked up the option but he also said, "There's still a lot of details to work out."

My bet is that Martin'll be in Mear's current ride next season