Roger Richards

A spokesperson for Tony Pontieri confirmed the GSA Pro Modified racer was taken to the local hospital in Norwalk, Ohio complaining of neck pain. X-rays confirmed a broken bone in his neck. He was then transported to the University of Toledo Hospital and kept overnight. This morning, the spokesperson confirmed, Pontieri was being fitted for a neck brace and will be released later today.

Pontieri's crash was one of three significant ones during Friday's second session of professional qualifying at the NHRA Summit Nationals.