Nemechek to sub for injured Benson

RICHMOND, Va. -- Johnny Benson’s broken right rib, suffered in the NASCAR Busch Series race Friday at Richmond International Raceway, will force him out of Saturday's Pontiac Excitement 400 Winston Cup event.

	Johnny Benson

Joe Nemechek will drive the No. 10 Valvoline Pontiac.

“Johnny took a very tough hit,” said Jay Frye, MBV Racing general manager. “The doctors here at Richmond decided to hold him overnight for precautionary reasons. We support their decision. There is a long way to go in the season and we feel it is in Johnny and the team’s best interest to have him sit out tonight. Johnny said he is going to watch the race on television from the hospital.”

Benson was injured in an accident on lap 23, when he got together with rookie Brian Vickers. Once taken the infield care center, Benson was administered X-rays and a CAT Scan, and it was discovered he had bruised ribs and a possible concussion.

He was transferred via ambulance to Memorial Regional Medical Center, where a CAT Scan on his head proved negative. He did, however, break the ninth rib on his right side.

Nemechek will be driving a fast ride.

“We are very grateful that (Nemechek) has agreed to drive for us,” Frye said. “Johnny and James Ince, our crew chief, put our car at the top of the practice sheets in both sessions yesterday, and we know Joe is a top caliber driver. So our goals for tonight’s race remain the same.”