Theriault suffers compression fracture in accident

The Brad Keselowski Racing driver was transported to University Medical Center in Las Vegas following an accident in which his No. 29 Ford slammed into a wall unprotected by energy-absorbing SAFER barrier.

Theriault was released from the hospital on Sunday morning and was scheduled to return to North Carolina where he will follow up with an orthopedic specialist for further treatment, his team said in a statement.

Theriault’s teammate, Tyler Reddick, who was also involved in the incident, posted the following message to his Twitter account early Sunday:

The wreck began just 15 laps into the race, when Reddick got sideways in Turn 4 and as he tried to catch the Truck, he made contact with Theriault, sending his truck careening head-on into a concrete wall.

Theriault needed assistance when he attempted to exit the wreckage and sat down before being placed on a backboard and airlifted to the hospital.

An update was posted late Saturday to his Facebook page, which read, “Austin is coherent and communicating. He has been taken to the hospital for testing and evaluation. We thank you all for your support.”

Theriault, 21, is a native of Fort Kent, Maine, and has two top-five and four top-10 finishes in eight starts in the Truck series this season. His best finish was fourth in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.