Former Formula One driver and two-time CART champion Alex Zanardi was seriously injured during the American Memorial race in Germany.
Kenny Brack of Sweden won the race, but it was overshadowed by the injury to Zanardi, who is in a critical condition.
The 34-year-old Zanardi, whose last Formula One foray was with Williams, was hit by Alex Tagliani of Canada while trying to make his way on to the track following a pit-stop at the new EuroSpeedway.
Some reports claim the driver may have had to have his legs amputated.