Dario Franchitti Is a Former Racing Driver and Ashley Judd's Ex-husband — Get to Know Him

Multiple IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti has had quite an eventful life. From his marriage to Ashley Judd to his remarkable track record in the racing world, this athlete has led quite an interesting life. Here's more about him!

Iconic car racing star Dario Franchitti took the world by storm with his impressive skills. His career was, however, brought to an abrupt end after a crash that left him injured.

Despite his short-lived career, Franchitti has had quite a remarkable life. At 47, the athlete has been married twice and is now a proud father. Take a look into his career, his marriages, and the daughter he welcomed two years ago.

DARIO FRANCHITTI'S EARLY RACING CAREER

Like most prominent athletes, Franchitti got an early start on his racing career when he participated in Scotland's Karting Junior Championship in 1984. Though only 11 at the time, he went on to win the tournament.

The actress reportedly described their relationship as complicated but added that he would always be her loved one.

Between 1985 and 1994, Franchitti won several racing tournaments in the United Kingdom. This earned him a reputation in the British racing industry.

However, Franchitti seemed unsatisfied with his career at the time and soon moved to the United States, where he made his Cart Series debut in 1997.

In 2003, Franchitti transitioned to IndyCar, winning his first IndyCar race on July 25, 2004. Two months later, he recorded his second win at Pikes Peak in Colorado.

HIS NASCAR CAREER

In 2007, Franchitti participated in four Nationwide Series races and one Camping World Truck Series in NASCAR. This was only a prelude to preparing him for a full-time career in the tournament.

The following year, Franchitti was in 10 out of the 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup races for 2008. However, due to lack of sponsorship, he departed the tournament mid-season and went back to IndyCar, where he won many more championships.

A TRAGIC END

In October 2013, Franchitti was involved in a crash during a race. His car ran into another, flying into catch fencing with most of the debris injuring spectators at the sidelines.

Franchitti suffered fractured bones, a broken ankle, and a concussion. Not only did the injuries end the season for him, but sadly, it also marked the end of his career.

DARIO'S FIRST MARRIAGE

Throughout his impressive career and many victories, Franchitti had one constant thing in his life — his loving relationship with his wife, Ashley Judd.

Judd, an actress, met Franchitti in 1999 while attending a wedding reception of one of their mutual friends. The two kicked things off there and soon started a relationship.

After two years of dating, Franchitti and Judd tied the knot. For the actress, not only was this the beginning of a new life, but it was also the start of a better appreciation for racing.

For years, the couple shared an amazing love story that inspired many. But in 2013, things took a turn when sadly, Franchitti and Judd announced they were getting a divorce.

Speaking at the time, Judd and Franchitti revealed they were ending their marriage amicably. It, therefore, came as no surprise that the duo remained good friends even after separating.

In 2014, Judd opened up about maintaining her friendship with Franchitti. The actress reportedly described their relationship as complicated but added that he would always be her loved one.

SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE

While many only find love once in their lifetime, others, like Franchitti, are lucky to have second chances. In 2015, the athlete tied the knot with Eleanor Robb.

Though he never had kids with Judd, Franchitti and Robb wasted no time starting a family. In 2016, the former athlete revealed that he had welcomed a baby girl with his new wife. Soon after, the couple welcomed another daughter.

Unlike her husband, Franchitti's wife is not so much of a public figure. Yet, with the little fame she has, Robb makes sure to help those she can.

The mom of two once took to social media, asking users to save the life of one of her friends, Peter McCleave, who was suffering from myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer.

With an amazing track record in racing, a beautiful wife, and two lovely daughters, Franchitti has no doubt created a lasting and beautiful legacy for himself!