Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and actress Ashley Judd announce divorce

A few weeks after Danica Patrick filed for divorce, another famous couple from the world of racing announced their separation.

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti and his wife, actress Ashley Judd, have decided to divorce after more than 11 years of marriage. Franchitti, who is also a former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver, has competed in the IndyCar last season with Chip Ganassi Racing.

“We have mutually decided to end our marriage. We’ll always be family and continue to cherish our relationship based on the special love, integrity, and respect we have always enjoyed,” the couple said on Tuesday in a statement to People Magazine.

Judd was present when Franchitti won Indy titles in 2007, 2010 and 2011, with ABC’s cameras filming her reactions as the race’s drama unfolded. She was also in the stands at NASCAR races at times when Franchitti drove 10 Sprint Cup races for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2008.

His best finish was 22nd at Martinsville before he lost his NASCAR ride due to a lack of sponsorship. He returned to IndyCar, where he won three straight championships for Ganassi from 2009-11.

Franchitti also was driving in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2008 before suffering a broken left ankle in a May crash at Talladega and missing five races. He ran just 14 Nationwide events, with two top-10 finishes and a best finish of fifth at Watkins Glen.