British Touring Car Championship driver Luke Davenport is in an induced coma after sustaining serious injuries following a multiple car crash during qualifying at Croft.

The incident was triggered when Davenport’s Motorbase Ford dropped oil after running off the road during a rain hit session at the North Yorkshire circuit.

Several cars became involved in a crash at Barcoft corner with Davenport, Eurotech Honda’s Jeff Smith and Triple Eight’s Aron Taylor-Smith suffering the brunt of multiple impacts.

The trio were cut free from their cars before being taken to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

BTCC organisers have confirmed Davenport is in intensive care in a serious but stable condition, with multiple chest injuries, lung damage, broken right leg, broken pelvis, broken right arm and concussion.

Smith is also in a serious but stable condition having sustained multiple chest injuries, extensive shoulder injuries and concussion.

Taylor-Smith has since been released form hospital after being diagnosed with a leg fracture.

A statement from BTCC organisers below reads.

“Following the multi-car accident during qualifying for Round 13 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Croft, three drivers were taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough for further treatment,” read the statement.

“We can confirm that;

“Aron Taylor-Smith (#40 MG Racing RCIB Insurance) suffered a fracture to his left leg and concussion. He was closely monitored in hospital and was released late last night.

“Luke Davenport (#300 Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo) is currently in intensive care in an induced coma, and is in a serious but stable condition, with multiple chest injuries, lung damage, broken right leg, broken pelvis, broken right arm and concussion.

“Jeff Smith (#55 Eurotech Racing) is in a serious but stable condition, with multiple chest injuries, extensive shoulder injuries and concussion.

“All of the above injuries, whilst very serious, are not immediately life threatening.

“We would like to thank the BTCC Medical Team, marshals, Croft Circuit staff, Air Ambulance crews and all staff at James Cook Hospital.

“Everyone within the BTCC sends their best wishes to all three drivers for a speedy and full recovery.”