Patrick Sheltra Hospitalized Following Nasty ARCA Racing Crash

ARCA RE/MAX series driver Patrick Sheltra was among three drivers hospitalized following wrecks in Saturday's Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 season opener at Daytona. In the scariest crash yet of 2009, Sheltra was hit from behind by pole-winner Justin Lofton with four laps to go, then smacked hard by Larry Hollenbeck's car just as he was sliding back down on the 2.5-mile oval.

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According to reports, it took safety workers about 20 minutes just to get Sheltra out of his No. 60 Dodge before he was transported along with Hollenbeck to Halifax Health Medical Center. Sheltra is being kept overnight for observation, and both drivers were reportedly conscious and alert when taken to the hospital.

Sheltra, nicknamed "Mr. Showtime," was starting his third ARCA RE/MAX season and finished sixth in the series standings in 2008.

Bobby Gerhart, who hit the wall in a separate crash earlier in the race, was taken in for observation and later released.

After Sheltra's incident, the race was restarted with just one lap left as James Buescher held off fellow 18-year-old Joey Logano to win it.

H/T for the video: NASCAR Nuts & Bolts