Benson to miss Pontiac 400 following Busch crash.

NASCAR Winston Cup series veteran Johnny Benson will miss the Pontiac Excitement 400 following a crash in the Busch series race on lap 29.

Benson reportedly broke a rib in the incident and was admitted to Memorial Regional Medical centre for observation. His release is anticipated in the next 24-48 hours.

Jay Frye - General Manager MBV Racing - released the following statement:

"#10 Valvoline Pontiac driver Johnny Benson will not race in tonight's [Saturday's] Pontiac Excitement 400 due to injuries suffered in last night's Busch Series race."

"Johnny took a very tough hit. The doctors at here in Richmond decided to hold him overnight for precautionary reasons. We support their decision."

"There is a long way to go in the season and we feel it is in Johnny and the team's best interest to have him sit out tonight. Johnny said he is going to watch the race on television from the hospital."

"Joe Nemechek will drive the Valvoline Pontiac tonight. We are very grateful that Joe has agreed to drive for us. Johnny and James Ince our crew chief put our car at the top of the practice sheets in both sessions yesterday and we know Joe is a top caliber driver so our goals for tonight's race remain the same."

"We appreciate all that the hospital, track and NASCAR officials have done in the last 24 hours."