Nemechek injured in Dover Downs crash.

Winston Cup and Busch Series racer Joe Nemechek suffered a broken right shoulder and bruised lungs after crashing during a practice session at the Dover Downs International Speedway.

Nemechek, who drives for Oakwood Homes on the Winston Cup Series and Cellular One in the Busch Series, said his right-front tyre went down on his 79th lap of practice yesterday, causing him to hit the wall heading into turn three at the speedway. His car slid all the way around turn three to turn four before coming to a stop.

The driver was immediately taken to Kent General Hospital's Emergency Ward and treated for his injuries. He remained at the hospital overnight for observation.

"I'm not sure exactly what happened, but the right front tyre went down and I had a ferocious hit at turn three," Nemechek said from his hospital room at Kent General, "I may have run over something and cut the tyre, or the tread came loose, but it was definitely one of the hardest hits I've ever had. Still, I feel fortunate that it wasn't worse. Now I've just got to heal this shoulder."

Nemechek was one of a group of racers testing at Dover Downs. Also on track were Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart, Jeff Green, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Purvis and Scott Wimmer.

Nemechek won a Busch Series race earlier this season at Atlanta, but his status for upcoming races is uncertain.