Johnny Benson, second from left, is helped out of his wrecked car during the Hardee's 250. NASCAR officials said Benson had bruised ribs and a possible concussion from the crash and was taken to a hospital for tests. Credit: AP
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
May 3, 2002
10:50 PM EDT (0250 GMT)
RICHMOND, Va. -- Johnny Benson, a regular on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, suffered a broken rib Friday night during the Busch Series Hardee’s 250 at Richmond International Raceway.
After being checked out by the track’s medical staff after an on-track accident, Benson was transported by ground to Memorial Regional Medical Center for soreness in his ribs and a possible concussion.
At 10:30 p.m. ET, doctors found a broken-right (ninth) rib. A CAT scan was negative. It was also reported that Benson was alert and speaking with family. Additional tests were being run and there has been no word yet on his status to drive in Saturday night's Pontiac Excitement 400, where he is scheduled to start 16th.
Benson was piloting the No. 31 Whelen Chevrolet and had worked his way up from his 43rd-place starting position when he made contact with Brian Vickers in the No. 40 Dodge on lap 31. As a result, Benson spun and made hard contact with the Turn 3 wall.
It was a few minutes before Benson, who is the regular driver of the No. 10 Valvoline Pontiac in Winston Cup, exited the car. Once Benson finally did, he walked with assistance to the ambulance and was taken to the infield medical center before being transported to the hospital.
Benson won the Busch Series championship in 1995.
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