Legendary race team owner Chip Ganassi was involved in an accident outside the track last week during the 24 Hours Daytona. He ran over and killed a golden retriever named Lucky at the Motorhome area. The dog belonged to Devlin DeFrancesco, who drives for Forte Racing’s Lamborghini GT3 team in IMSA.
It prompted much drama during the prestigious endurance event, with both sides having different versions of the accident. DeFrancesco’s father even publicly called out the former NASCAR and current IndyCar team owner. He, without naming Gnassi, called him out for not acknowledging their actions or showing any remorse.
Now Ganassi has taken into X to post an apology for the incident. He admitted that he felt terrible for the unfortunate incident. He also announced that he would be making a generous donation to the Indianapolis Humane Society on behalf of the dog Lucky and the DeFrancesco family, which would help to support other dogs in the city.
The accident the other night with Devlin DeFrancesco’s dog was so unfortunate. I not only feel terrible about it I also feel terrible for Devlin, Katie and the DeFrancesco kids. On behalf of their dog Lucky and the DeFrancesco family I am making a generous donation to the Indianapolis Humane Society. Ganassi wrote on X.
Devlin DeFrancesco responds to Chip Ganassi’s apology
The family of Devlin DeFrancesco was deeply affected by the death of their dog, as it wasn’t an incident they ever expected to occur during the event while they were enjoying the IMSA event. He hopes to get over it and return to racing in the upcoming event at Sebring.
After Chip Ganassi issued the public apology, DeFrancesco immediately responded via X. He thanked Ganassi for the apology but admitted that it wouldn’t make the pain of losing luck go away. He also thanked the race team owner for contributing to the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
I want to personally thank Chip Ganassi for his apology to myself, my parents, my siblings and Katie. Nothing will be able to bring Lucky back or make the pain go away but I would also like to say thank you to Chip for his donation to the Humane Society of Indianapolis. In support of other dogs/puppies in a city that is so important to me. Where I spend a lot of my time doing what I love with great people.
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