RICHMOND, Va. -- Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau was airlifted to the Medical College of Virginia on Friday after being involved in a single-car accident during the first of two practice sessions at Richmond International Raceway.
Doctors at the track told NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter that the accident has yielded the "potential for serious injuries," but Hunter was unable to provide further details.
Nadeau, driver of the No. 01 Army Pontiac, dove low into Turn 1 early in the session when the back end broke loose and sent him hard into the wall on the driver's side between Turns 1 and 2.
Hunter was uncertain whether Nadeau was conscious or not upon impact, but the driver had to be cut from the machine.
Nadeau was taken to the infield care center for some 30 minutes before being air lifted out of the track for further evaluation.
"We will keep you updated as the evening progresses and we get additional information from the hospital," Hunter said. "That's all we know right now."
Busch Series driver Jason Keller took over driving duties in the No. 01 Pontiac for Friday's final practice.
Stay tuned to NASCAR.com for further updates.
It was a nasty wreck. Very similar to the ones that killed Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin in New Hampshire. Here's hoping everything's ok with Jerry.
Doctors at the track told NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter that the accident has yielded the "potential for serious injuries," but Hunter was unable to provide further details.
Nadeau, driver of the No. 01 Army Pontiac, dove low into Turn 1 early in the session when the back end broke loose and sent him hard into the wall on the driver's side between Turns 1 and 2.
Hunter was uncertain whether Nadeau was conscious or not upon impact, but the driver had to be cut from the machine.
Nadeau was taken to the infield care center for some 30 minutes before being air lifted out of the track for further evaluation.
"We will keep you updated as the evening progresses and we get additional information from the hospital," Hunter said. "That's all we know right now."
Busch Series driver Jason Keller took over driving duties in the No. 01 Pontiac for Friday's final practice.
Stay tuned to NASCAR.com for further updates.
It was a nasty wreck. Very similar to the ones that killed Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin in New Hampshire. Here's hoping everything's ok with Jerry.
