(Photo via Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

Four-time Indycar Champion Dario Franchitti has decided to retire from racing on the advice of doctors after a horror shunt during the second GP of Houston on October 6, where his Target Chip Ganassi car was catapulted at high speed into the catch fencing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QjA8k5WeGk

The Scotsman, a 3-time Indy 500 winner, suffered what was termed a “significant concussion”, as well as a broken back and badly fractured right ankle, which required multiple surgeries to repair. The back and head injury were of the most concern to doctors in advising him to quit racing.

The 40-year old walks away from the sport as arguably the most successful open wheel racer in United States history and with his matinee idol good looks and loquacious personality, Franchitti would seem to be a perfect fit in the broadcast booth going forward. It’s probably also a sure thing that he will remain involved in IndyCar in either an official or semi-official capacity. While Franchitti never really got to terms with the Dallara DW12 chassis used in his last two seasons, Dario’s exploits prior to that compare well with any driver in a major motorsports series during any time period. There is no word on who will replace Franchitti in the Number 10 car for Ganassi next year.