THE SIDELINES : Foyt Crashes in Speedway Session

CONCORD, N.C. —  Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A. J. Foyt was injured today when he crashed at Charlotte Motor Speedway during a practice session for the All-Pro Auto Parts 500.

“He hit the wall in turn three, slid about 300 yards and came to a stop at the entrance of pit road,” said speedway spokesman Eddie Gossage. “The track emergency staff worked about 10 minutes to get him out of the car. They were mostly trying to be easy because they didn’t want to hurt him worse than he was.”

Gossage said Foyt was “conscious and alert” when taken to the speedway hospital. He was later airlifted to Charlotte Memorial Hospital, and hospital officials would give no details of his injuries or condition.

“We don’t know why he hit the wall,” Gossage said. “It was just practice. He wasn’t racing the car. But he hit the wall very hard.”