Ashley Judd's Estranged Husband Retiring From Race Cars
Dario Franchitti, Ashley Judd's estranged husband, is retiring from race car driving following his serious car crash last month.
The three-time Indy 500 winner suffered several injuries following a high-speed car accident during the Houston Grand Prix on Oct. 6. Franchitti was hospitalized after the crash caused the driver a severe concussion, and broken right ankle, and two spinal fractures.
In addition to Franchitti's injuries, 13 fans and an IndyCar Series official were hurt as debris flew into the stands after the crash, according to the Associated Press.
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Consequently, Franchitti announced his retirement via Twitter on Thursday, Nov. 14.
"One month removed from the crash and based on 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," he wrote.
"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," Franchitti added. "Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop. Racing has been my life for over 30 years and it's really tough to think that the driving side is over now."
He later added, "A sad day but I'm very grateful," along with a photo of himself with a race car.
Although Franchitti is mourning the end of his racing career, the 40-year-old Scots man may be celebrating the decision to stay in his marriage to Judd.
The couple were married 11 years before they announced their divorce back in January, but following Franchitti's accident, Judd rushed to the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center where the racing champ was being treated.
"Thank you for the prayers for @dariofranchitti I have only the clothes on my back & the dogs but that's all we need & we are on our way," the 45-year-old actress wrote to her Twitter followers at the time.
The loving act sparked rumors of Judd's reconciliation with Franchitti, and that divorce may not be on the horizon.
Around the same time, an insider revealed that the spouses did in fact call off the divorce.
"They are going to give it another try after he recovers," said a source close to the Franchitti and Judd, according to Us Weekly. "His accident made her realize how much she loves him."
