Almirola cleared to drive

Aric Almirola

The driver of the #43 Petty Enterprises Ford, who crushed his T5 vertebra in a wreck at Kansas Speedway on May 13, received a positive report from his doctors following a CT scan on Wednesday.

"Good news from the docs," Aric Almirola said in a text. "My CT scan shows really good bone growth in the damaged vertebrae. Doctors were pleased and have cleared me to test in the next two weeks.

"As long as that goes well and I have no pain, I will be cleared to resume competition."

Almirola, 33, hopes to return to competition in time for the Monster Energy Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 16. More at Motorsport