Dario Franchitti was released from Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center in Houston today. The Target Chip Ganassi driver will be traveling to Indianapolis to be reevaluated over the next few days and ultimately await a second surgery to his right ankle, which was previously stabilized.

“I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and I'm thankful to have such a great family and such wonderful friends and fans,” Franchitti said. “Thanks to everyone at the hospital and the track who took such good care of me during my stay in Houston. I look forward to watching Scott, Alex and the Target team next weekend on television, and will be pulling for them as they go for another championship.”

It was announced earlier today that Alex Tagliani will step in to replace Franchitti at the season finale at Fontana next weekend.

Photo: Ramesh Bayney