Indy 500 driver Bryan Clauson is in hospital in a critical condition after a nasty crash in a USAC Midget race in Kansas.

Clauson, a highly rated dirt track specialist in the US, had burst into the lead at the Midget Nationals when the incident happened.

After clipping a lapped car before flipping and coming to a rest in the middle of the track, he was broadsided by another competitor, Ryan Greth, who had no chance to take evasive action.

Details of Clauson’s injuries have not been disclosed other than an official statement from his family.

Clauson was making a bid for his fourth win at the event at the Belleville High Banks half mile track.

Clauson family statement reads: “Bryan was severely injured last night while competing in the Belleville Nationals midget race at Belleville High Banks in Kansas.

“Bryan was airlifted to Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln, Nebraska, following the incident where he remains in critical condition and under the car of the medical staff.

“We appreciate the support of the racing community and are thankful for the outreach we’ve received.

“We ask that you continue to respect our privacy as we focus on Bryan.”

Clauson, 27, competed at the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, finishing 23rd in a Dale Coyne Racing entered machine.

Meanwhile Mello Yello NHRA star Courtney Force was taken to hospital after smacking the wall at Pacific Raceways in Seattle.

Force extricated herself from the Traxxas Chevy Camaro Funny Car she was racing under her own steam.

Her IndyCar husband, Graham Rahal, tweeted that Force is being assessed for knee and elbow injuries but is otherwise fine.

Bryan Clauson’s horrific crash

https://youtu.be/3_yptCQUsWM