IndyCar driver Alex Lloyd hospitalized

INDIANAPOLIS, May 10 (UPI) -- Rookie driver Alex Lloyd was hospitalized after a frightening crash Friday during qualifying for the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Lloyd's car slammed into the outside wall in the track's first turn. It was estimated the native of Manchester, England, was traveling at 223 mph at the time of the crash.

The Indianapolis Tribune reported Saturday that the Ganassi Racing team member working out of the Rahal Letterman Racing stable was held at Methodist Hospital for overnight observation, but a neck examination at the track showed no fractures.

Lloyd had complained of neck pain right after the crash.

"I'm disappointed for Alex, his team and his crew," Rahal told the newspaper. "He'd been doing such a good job and was going well."

Despite less than favorable weather conditions, qualifying for the Indy Racing League's biggest race annually continues through the weekend.

The Indy 500 takes place Sunday, May 25.