Larson in good spirits, still being evaluated

Larson, 22, was transported by helicopter from a local hospital to the Charlotte facility closer to his home as a precaution and for further testing.

Regan Smith drove Larson’s Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 Chevy to a 16th-place finish while Larson watched the race from his hospital bed on Sunday.

So far, tests have come back negative, and Larson is in good spirits, according to the team, noting his extended hospital stay is a practical logistical option while he is undergoing multiple evaluations.

Team owner Chip Ganassi told the Associated Press on Sunday, ”You are trying to do the right thing and you want to be safe, and you want to err on the side of safety.

“I want to respect the professionals and respect what they are saying, but we want to be realistic, too.”

This week marks one of the three off-weeks for NASCAR’s premier series giving Larson an extra opportunity to rest up before the next event, the Duck Commander 500 at Texas Motor Speedway (April 11, 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX). The team has not made any decisions going forward about who will drive the No. 42 and is hopeful Larson will be back in his seat by then.

Larson was the third Sprint Cup Series regular not on the starting grid Sunday in Martinsville due to medical issues. Kyle Busch, driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota, is recovering from a broken leg and foot he suffered while racing in the XFINITY Series opener Feb. 21 at Daytona International Speedway.

Brian Vickers announced a week ago at California’s Auto Club Speedway that he will be out of his Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota for approximately three months while taking blood thinners to treat a blood clot. Vickers also missed the first two races of the season.

NASCAR can and has granted medical waivers to drivers that could still keep Busch and Vickers eligible for the Chase for the Sprint Cup postseason elimination rounds should they meet the Chase qualifications. By participating in Coors Light Pole Qualifying on Friday at Martinsville, Larson maintained Chase eligibility despite missing the race.

Larson had two top-10 finishes in the last three races he competed in and was ranked 18th before the weekend. He is now 24th in the Cup standings. He had qualified seventh for the STP 500 at Martinsville.

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