IndyCar: Hawksworth forced to miss Pocono race

Bryan Herta Autosport will miss today's IndyCar race at Pocono as a consequence of Jack Hawksworth's heavy crash in practice yesterday.

The 23-year-old rookie was beginning a qualifying simulation when he lost control in Turn 1 and made heavy contact with the outside wall. He was treated at the infield medical center and then transported to the Lehigh Valley Health Network in nearby Allentown, where he spent the night.

The series confirmed on Sunday morning that he had been diagnosed with a myocardial contusion and had been refused clearance to drive, with a further medical assessment scheduled before he can be given the green light for next weekend's race at Iowa.

For the team, the setback caused by Hawksworth's medical condition was compounded by the damage to his car. The tub was cracked in the impact, and team sources confirmed that there are no plans to attempt to prepare the spare car and seek an 11th-hour replacement driver.