Adam Petty was airlifted to Concord Hospital after crashing Friday during practice at NHIS for the BGN race there. Last report has Petty in the emergency room, but there is no immediate word on whether his injuries were life-threatening(CNN/SI a 2:15pm/et report) ESPN2 is reporting on the Botton Line crawl that Petty was taken to the hospital with head injuries(2:40pm/et) — from SpeedVision: According to eyewitness reports, Petty crashed heavily head-on going into Turn 3. The # 45 Sprint Chevrolet briefly caught fire, and emergency crews had to cut the frame of the car to remove him. Petty was transported by ambulance to the helicopter paid outside the track, and then airlifted to Concord Hospital. The car was covered and removed from the premises. The team is reportedly readying a backup car.
update: Busch Series driver Adam Petty died of head trauma after crashing heavily in practice at New Hampshire International Speedway. He was prounounced dead after being airlifted to Concord Hospital(SpeedVision 3:15pm/et). Also an AP report and a story at NASCAR Online. Condolences to the Petty fans, friends and fans(5-12-2000)
UPDATE 2: There will not be a statement from the Petty family or Petty Enterprises today(Friday). Kyle Petty is out of the country on a personal trip(England on vacation). The family is gathering in a private setting, and no interviews will be scheduled at this point with family members or team members. Funeral arrangements are incomplete but will be released as soon as available(Williams Co PR)(5-12-2000)