"He was in my house, and he wasn't there": When Tony Kanaan described Dario Franchitti's struggles post-crash

Four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti's life turned upside down after a life-threatening crash at the 2013 Grand Prix of Houston. After the final lap accident with Takuma Sato, he suffered a concussion, broken vertebrae and a broken ankle, and lost five weeks of memory leading up to the day of the incident.

The visuals of the crash were unthinkable. Dario Franchitti's car launched into the catch fence, spun and came to a stop in the middle of the track. The debris from the crash also left 13 spectators injured. A month on from the incident, doctors gave the three-time Indy 500 winner the dreaded advice - he should never race again.

Tony Kanaan, Franchitti's close friend and former Andretti Green Racing (now Andretti Global) teammate, revealed that even 7-8 weeks after the accident, the effects of the concussion lingered. He said (via USA Today):

"He (Franchitti) was in my house, and he wasn't there. You know, his body was there, but he wasn't there. When you see a friend not speaking right, you know slowly, asking the same questions 10 times and sleeping 16 hours a day, you know something's not right."

Eventually, Franchitti recovered completely to lead a normal life. In 2014, he mentored Kanaan, who replaced him to drive the No. 10 car for Chip Ganassi Racing, to a successful first season with the team.

The Scottish driver also joined Formula E as a commentator and remained with them since the series' inaugural season in 2014.

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When Tony Kanaan dedicated his first win with Chip Ganassi Racing to Dario Franchitti

Tony Kanaan with Dario Freanchitti, MAVTV 500 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Dario Franchitti's premature retirement deeply upset Tony Kanaan. Although Franchitti himself urged Kanaan to replace him in the No. 10 car, the latter found it 'bittersweet' to take on this opportunity.

"I'm extremely excited, but this is a very bittersweet day for me as many of you know," the Brazilian said during the official announcement in December 2013 (via IndyCar).

"On one hand, I'm driving for the Target team and couldn't be more thrilled about the possibilities for next season. On the other hand, I'm taking over the seat my good friend Dario had to leave."

Despite the emotions, Kanaan, who won the Indy 500 in 2013, worked tirelessly with Franchitti to secure five podiums in his inaugural season with Chip Ganassi Racing. Their efforts culminated in a victory at the 2014 season finale at Fontana, California, his sixth podium, and the best friends shared a warm embrace after the race.

Kanaan dedicated the victory to Dario Franchitti and said (via the Los Angeles Times):

"I actually dedicated this victory to [Franchitti]. I was grateful for what he’s done for me this year. He helped me adapt to the team really quick."

Both friends ended their racing careers having won both of IndyCar's top prizes - the championship and the Indy 500. While Franchitti won four championships and three Indy 500s, Kanaan won one each.