Rookie Alex Lloyd crashes during practice for Indy 500

5/9/2008 1:17 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Rookie driver Alex Lloyd was hospitalized Friday, complaining of neck pain, after hitting the wall hard during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Lloyd, the champion last season in the IRL's developmental Indy Lights Series, completed a lap at more than 223 mph and lost control of his Dallara in the first turn. He struck the outside wall with the rear of the car and continued into the second turn.

The 23-year-old Englishman was examined at the track's infield hospital, then taken to Methodist Hospital for further tests.

The car was heavily damaged.

It was the second accident of the day, following a minor crash involving rookie Mario Dominguez of Mexico.

Dominguez was not hurt when his car tapped the inside wall at slow speed in the warmup lane. He was examined at the track hospital and cleared to drive.