Elliott will race despite foot injury

Elliott, who had started on pole for Saturday night's race, was caught in a three-car pile-up that caused the injury. But team principal Ray Evernham says he will race this weekend.

"As of last night [Tuesday], Bill has told me he's cleared to drive," said Evernham. "He does have three broken bones in his foot, but he was with an orthopedic doctor in Georgia and also we've been back and forth in communication with Dr Terry Trammel in Indianapolis. He's in the process of making up a carbonfibre foot sole and foot protector for Bill.

"He has no other injuries other than the bones in his foot. The number we got on the G-meter from NASCAR was 48, so it was a pretty hard hit. Again, he has no other injuries and feels great. He's looking forward to it and doesn't feel like there's going to be any issues this week."

Elliott said: "We're working on making sure I'm comfortable in the car. I've driven with an injury before, but with what we've worked out I think everything will be fine. I survived 600 kids walking around me yesterday and I was OK [at a special event held at Union County Primary where Elliott donated $10,000 to the library]. I think I can deal with this inconvenience this weekend."