Crosby diagnosed with soft tissue injury
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- An examination of injured Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby revealed he doesn't have a fractured neck, only soft tissue damage, the team said Monday.
The diagnosis was delivered by an independent spinal trauma specialist after the superstar forward complained of swelling in the C1-2 joint of his neck.
Crosby has been out since Dec. 5 with concussion-like symptoms. He was diagnosed during the weekend with a neck injury.
The specialist, Dr. Alexander Vaccaro of Philadelphia, said the soft tissue damage could be causing some of Crosby's symptoms, which can be similar to those of a concussion.
Doctors believe Crosby is safe and that his injury is treatable, the Penguins said. They reiterated the 24-year-old will return to the ice when he is symptom-free.
Crosby played only eight games this season before being knocked out of action by a hit from Boston's David Krejci.
He had missed 10 months before that due to a concussion.
Patrick assured Daytona 500 start
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- A transfer of owner's points will guarantee Danica Patrick a starting spot in this month's Daytona 500, race team officials said Tuesday.
Patrick was assured she'll be in the field of the Feb. 26 season-opening race in Florida after Tommy Baldwin Racing transferred points to Patrick's team, Stewart-Haas Racing.
The announcement came after Tommy Baldwin and Stewart-Haas formed a partnership. Under the deal, TBR will field Patrick's No.10 GoDaddy Chevrolet during her Sprint Cup Series races.
The team said David Reutimann can take over as the driver of the No.10 car in the 26 races Patrick is not penciled in.
"We're very proud of what we've established at Tommy Baldwin Racing, and the opportunity to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and aid in the development of Danica Patrick is a testament to all the hard work we've put in over the years," Baldwin said.
Patrick announced last week she will skip this year's Indianapolis 500 to instead compete in the 600-mile Sprint Cup race at Charlotte, N.C.
Joe Gibbs employees treated after fire
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Joe Gibbs Racing said Tuesday several of its employees were treated for smoke inhalation following a fire at the team's North Carolina headquarters.
Team officials said a piece of equipment at the team's Huntersville, N.C., machine shop caught fire, CNN reported.
"A few of our employees received treatment on site for issues related to smoke inhalation," Joe Gibbs Racing said in a statement. "All employees were able to return to work within the hour to continue preparations for the 2012 NASCAR season."
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, the statement indicated.
WCNC-TV, Charlotte, N.C., reported 10 people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Chile's Gonzalez advances at Vina del Mar
VINA DEL MAR, Chile, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Fernando Gonzalez began his quest for a fifth Vina del Mar, Chile, title Tuesday with a win over Pere Riba in opening-round action at the VTR Open.
The Chilean former Top 5 star last won the event in 2009. He got off to a good start this year with a 6-4, 6-4 decision over Spain's Riba.
Gonzalez didn't show any ill effects of missing most of the 2011 season with a knee injury.
Fifth-seeded Albert Montanes also notched a first-round victory Tuesday, handling qualifier and fellow Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-2, 6-4.
No. 7 Carlos Berlocq of Argentina advanced with a 7-5, 6-0 victory against Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver while Federico del Bonis of Argentina bested two-time Vina del Mar finalist Nicolas Massu 6-0, 6-3.
