Cope held for observation after crash in practice

MADISON, Ill. -- Former Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope was held overnight for observation in a local hospital after being knocked unconscious in a practice crash for Saturday night's Charter 250 at Gateway International Raceway.

	Derrike Cope

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cope was heading into Turn 3 when the throttle reportedly stuck on his No. 49 Ford. The car spun 180 degrees, skidded up the track and hit the outside wall directly on the driver's side.

Safety workers cut the roof off Cope's car to remove the injured driver, who was momentarily knocked unconscious by the accident. Cope was wearing a head and neck restraint.

Busch Series spokesman Rick Houston said Cope "was awake and aware" when he was airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital. When he arrived at the hospital, Houston said Cope was "awake and alert and responding appropriately." He was in stable condition after reportedly suffering a concussion.

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NASCAR officials immediately impounded the vehicle and covered it with a tarp. They were carefully inspecting the engine compartment and cockpit for any obvious mechanical problems.

Josh Richeson replaced Cope in a backup car, taking a provisional and finishing 27th.