Dario Franchitti breaks ankle in hard crash at Talladega

NASCAR drivers Dario Franchitti, left, and Larry Gunselman (91) crash during the Aaron's 312 Nationwide Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Saturday, April 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Dale Davis)

TALLADEGA, Ala.—Dario Franchitti broke his left ankle in a hard crash Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway that sent him and another racer to a hospital for observation.

Franchitti, who came to NASCAR this season as the reigning IndyCar Series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, also was treated for contusions and was unlikely to race Sunday in the Sprint Cup event.

Chip Ganassi Racing didn't immediately announce a replacement driver, but David Stremme said following the race that the team had approached him about filling in. Stremme drove that car for two seasons before he was replaced by Franchitti this season.

Franchitti wrecked when his car apparently lost its right rear tire on the 10th lap of the Nationwide Series race.

His Dodge bounced into the wall and spun down the track, finally drifting down to the apron. It was there that the real damage was done -- a car driven by Larry Gunselman slammed into his driver side door.

Franchitti had to be helped from his car and toward an ambulance. About 90 minutes after the accident, Gunselman also was taken to the hospital for observation, and there was no immediate word from NASCAR on his condition.