INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 27: Dario Franchitti pours the victory milk over his head in victory lane in celebration of winning the IZOD IndyCar Series 96th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Taking the advice of his doctors, three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti announced his retirement on Thursday.
Franchitti - a four-time IndyCar champion who also enjoyed a brief NASCAR career - sustained head and neck injuries in a violent crash last month in Houston. Doctors warned Franchitti that continuing to race could be detrimental to his long-term health.
Considered one of IndyCar's all-time greats, the announcement sent shockwaves through the racing community. Here's what some of your favorite NASCAR drivers were saying.
Thinking of my friend @dariofranchitti. #Legend
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 14, 2013
It was an honor to be ur teammate @dariofranchitti! I hope you quickly find fun and peace outside of the car! Congrats on an amazing career!
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) November 15, 2013
. @dariofranchitti is a great friend and a great competitor and he is gonna be missed on the tracks.
— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) November 14, 2013
Salute to a great Champion. #respect http://t.co/CBvFNP5v1R
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) November 14, 2013
One of the nicest men I've ever meet, @dariofranchitti retiring, I'm shocked but guess he'll have to move to Franklin and we'll play golf !
— Darrell Waltrip (@AllWaltrip) November 14, 2013
It is not about money of fame is all about the STORY u write in your life @dariofranchitti is example u can do both #redglovesrule
— Max Papis (@maxpapis) November 14, 2013
APPLAUSE for you Dario? CONGRATS on a GREAT career .....“@dariofranchitti: A sad day but I'm eternally grateful... pic.twitter.com/fJiY8fiM9m
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) November 14, 2013
Well goodluck to @dariofranchitti in his next endeavors. Hate to see such a great career come to such an abrupt end... #SoLongDario
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) November 14, 2013
@dariofranchitti Your one of the best ever brotha! Great career. Even better person.
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) November 14, 2013
