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CART: Franchitti released from hospital; Recuperating in Tennessee

15 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
DETROIT- FedEx Championship Series star Dario Franchitti, injured Wednesday in an on-track incident during Spring Training at Homestead-Miami Speedway, was released Saturday from Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital and currently is recuperating in Tennessee.

Franchitti, who sustained non-displaced fractures of the pelvis and hip as well as small brain contusions, was experiencing slight discomfort from the fractures but felt fine neurologically, according to Team KOOL Green officials. Team officials said he is scheduled to begin physical therapy today or Tuesday and will undergo follow-up neurological tests and an MRI test in three to four weeks. If the tests are normal, team officials said that Franchitti will either test in a go-kart or conduct a test at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in something other than a Champ Car.

Following the test run, a decision will be made as to whether Franchitti, runner-up in last season's series championship and a favorite this year, will be able to compete March 24-26 at the season-opening Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Toyota at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Team officials said that Franchitti is determined to be back for the season opener.

Text provided by CART

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