CONCORD, N.C. (April 29, 2008)-Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) driver Dario Franchitti was re-evaluated this week by his doctors and will sit out this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR).  NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader will drive the No. 40 Kennametal Dodge on Saturday for the 400-lap event. 

Franchitti was seen by Dr. Terry Trammel and Dr. Kevin Scheid in Indianapolis, Ind. on Monday.  The doctors confirmed the slight fracture in Franchitti’s left ankle.  Franchitti will be fitted for a carbon fiber brace later this week.  His status behind the wheel of the No. 40 Dodge will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.

Schrader is confirmed to race for CGRFS in Richmond only.  Franchitti will also be in Richmond with the No. 40 team.

Source: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates News Release

According to a press release from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Dario Franchitti will be sitting out the NASCAR Sprint Cup Aaron’s 499 Sunday.  Dario suffered a fractured left ankle during a lap 11 crash in the Nationwide Series, Aaron’s 312 on Saturday after his car blew a right-rear tire.  The search is on to find a substitute driver to sit in for Dario’s 43′d starting spot Tums Dodge for the Sunday Talladega race.

Dario was transported to the infield care center where he was sent on to Physicians Medical Center Carraway in Birmingham, where the slight fracture was further evaluated, treated and released.

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, Juan Pablo Montoya has been named as one of the Spanish language magazine People en Espanol’s 50 Most Beautiful People of 2008.  Fortunately, the web version of the magazine is in both Spanish and English for those of us who are Spanish impaired. 

Juan Pablo’s in good company on the list.  Also included are singer Christina Aguilera, designer Daisy Fuentes, actor Christian de la Fuente, NFL quarterback Tony Romo, NHL center Scott Gomez and basketball player Alexis Castro.

According to Juan Pablo, “When I first heard about it I was like ‘me, really?’  I didn’t believe it.  But it is good for the sport of NASCAR to have someone represented from the Latino community and in a magazine as popular as People en Español.  It was interesting to see how magazines like this do photo shoots – it’s quite a production.  It’s definitely different than what I’m used to – wearing a firesuit in front of a yellow Juicy Fruit or black Texaco/Havoline car…but it was still fun.”

(Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)