All-Star return planned for Bayne

Bayne has missed the last two Nationwide Series races after being hospitalised and undergoing a number o medical tests, being released already from the Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Minnesota, last week.

A diagnosis of his illness has yet to be disclosed, but the 20-year-old, winner of this year's Daytona 500 at his first attempt, has made positive progress and plans are in line for him to race in next week's NASCAR Sprint All-Star race, where he earned his place through his victory in the season-opener.

Roush Fenway Racing had hoped to have him compete again in the Nationwide Series at Dover this week, but it has taken a more cautious approach to his return, according to team officials.

"Trevor's symptoms have subsided and we are very encouraged by his progress," said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. "Still, we are going to exercise an element of caution with his return to the track and keep him out of competition for at least another week.

"Trevor is itching to get back out on the race track, and, although it's hard to keep someone with his passion away, we feel it is in his best interest to hold off for another week. As of now, we, along with the Wood Brothers, are planning for Trevor to return next week and compete in the Sprint Cup All-Star event in Charlotte and the Nationwide Series race in Iowa."

Two weeks ago Bayne was hospitalised with symptoms initially believed to be a consequence of an insect bite that had already forced him to visit hospital following the Sprint Cup Series race at Texas on 9 April.

Tests performed at the Mayo Clinic later pointed at an "inflammatory condition" as the cause of his symptoms, according to neurologist Brian Crum, M.D.

Bayne is competing full-time in the Nationwide Series for Roush, while running a limited schedule in the Sprint Cup series.