IndyCar’s Alex Tagliani to replace Dario Franchitti at Fontana

Target Chip Ganassi Racing said Wednesday it chose veteran IndyCar driver Alex Tagliani to replace the injured Dario Franchitti for the series’ season finale Oct. 19 at Fontana.

“As a driver you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I’m up for the challenge,” Tagliani said in a statement.

“I’m thinking of Dario as everyone else is, and wishing him a quick recovery,” Tagliani said.

Franchitti, 40, suffered two spinal fractures, a broken right ankle and a concussion Sunday when his car went airborne and crashed into a catch-fence at the end of a street race in Houston.

Tagliani, a Canadian driver who turns 40 the day before the race at the two-mile Auto Club Speedway oval in Fontana, drove 13 IndyCar races earlier this season for the team Barracuda Racing. His best finish was 10th.

“As we look to the season finale we needed a driver with experience and the ability to step in and get the job done in the No. 10 car, and Alex was a logical choice for us,” team owner Chip Ganassi said.

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