Scottish racing driver Dario Franchitti has fractured his spine in a high-speed crash during a race in the US.
The four-time IndyCar series winner collided with another vehicle on the final lap of the race in Texas and was sent crashing into the track wall, forcing his car to fly into the air.
Franchitti, originally from Bathgate, was taken to hospital for treatment to concussion and breaks in his spine, which doctors said will not require surgery, and his right ankle.
The 40-year-old competed in British racing at the start of his career but moved to the US in 1997 where he has gone on to winIndyCar racing’s top prize, the famous Indianapolis 500 race, three times. His cousin is Formula One driver Paul Di Resta and Franchitti’s brother Marino is also a racing driver.
IndyCar released a statement on its Twitter feed on Sunday night, confirming Franchitti was awake on arriving at hospital.
Actress Ashley Judd, who married Franchitti in 2001, although the pair separated earlier this year, tweeted that she was on her way to Houston to see him.
She said: “Thank you for the prayers for @dariofranchitti I have only clothes on my back & the dogs but that’s all that we need & we are on our way.”
The race was won by Australian driver Will Power, who told US TV: “It just looked bad. I hate seeing that, I just hate it. I just hope he’s OK.”