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Four-time IndyCar champion Franchitti to make racing return at Goodwood

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti will return to racing for the first time since his 2013 accident at next month's Goodwood Revival

Franchitti, now 46, walked away from his topflight American single-seater career in 2013 on the grounds of medical advice after he suffered a spinal fracture and concussion.

A final-lap collision with Takuma Sato and Ernesto Jose Viso at Houston sent Franchitti's Ganassi-run car airborne and into the catch fencing.

Combined with injuries previously sustained, the risk of permanent paralysis owing to any further crashes meant Franchitti retired from competitive motorsport.

But he will now drive in two races at this year's Revival over the September 13-15 weekend.

"I'm delighted to be returning to competition at this year's Goodwood Revival," said Franchitti.

"I really thought my racing days were behind me but it is tough to give up something that has been a part of my life for so long and that I love so much.

"Of course, this won't mean a return to front-line competition - so no Indy 500 - simply enjoying the sport I love as an amateur."

Franchitti will drive a Ferrari 250 GT SWB in the Friday twilight Kinrara Trophy race (pictured above) for pre-1963 GT cars.

It is the first time the Ferrari has raced since its crash at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1962.

Nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen and five-time winner Emmanuele Pirro have also been confirmed for the race.

Franchitti will also pilot a works AC Cobra in the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy Race for 1960-64 GT cars. He will share the car with renowned historic racer Gregor Fisken.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this possible, in particular my family, friends and my doctors," Franchitti added.

"I'm also grateful to the Duke of Richmond and everyone at Goodwood for being so supportive over the years."

Franchitti will join other names competing in the Revival such as four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon and ex-MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa.

The entire 2019 Goodwood Revival will be broadcast live on Motorsport.tv

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