Franchitti struggled with retirement decision

Dario Franchitti

Dario Franchitti wants to stay with Ganassi Racing, just not behind the wheel

Dario Franchitti made his first public appearance since his career-ending accident Sunday night in London, telling the audience at the Autosport Awards show that he wants to remain with Ganassi Racing in some form.

“(Retiring) wasn’t an easy thing to do; it’s not been an easy thing to deal with," Franchitti said while presenting an award. “I spent a couple of days thinking of ways to get around it. I thought, ‘There’s got to be a way.’ Sadly, it became pretty apparent pretty quickly there wasn’t.

“It’s still tough in some ways. I still think a lot about driving a car. The passion is still there to do something. Chip (Ganassi) and I have talked about something next year. I’d love to work with the team in IndyCar; I just won’t be behind the wheel anymore."

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, who remains on crutches, said he has no regrets about his career.

“I’ve had a wonderful time, a great career," he said. “I wouldn’t call it a career; it was what I loved to do. I never called it a job; it’s been an absolute privilege.

“In a lot of ways I’m lucky to be here to make that decision. It’s a kick (in the gut), but I’ll move on to the next stage."

Franchitti has not given a formal interview since the Oct. 6 accident in Houston. He suffered non-operable spinal fractures and a fractured ankle, but ramifications of a concussion led to his retirement. Indy Star