Petty has broken hand, Michigan status uncertain

Kyle Petty suffered a broken hand as a result of hitting his hand on a door inside the No. 45 hauler after a Lap 69 incident in Sunday's race at Watkins Glen.

Kyle Petty

Petty had early problems -- by Lap 9 he was seven laps down to the leaders -- and his day got worse when the engine grenaded and left a trail of fire. It was his first DNF of the season in 17 starts.

After being treated and released at the infield care center, Petty flew home to North Carolina where he was treated by a doctor who determined that the hand was broken.

Petty finished 43rd and remained 37th in the point standings.

His status for this week's race at Michigan remains uncertain. In 51 starts at Michigan he has three top-five finishes and 10 top-10s. He best run at the 2-mile track was a third-place finish on June 28, 1987.

Petty sat out five races earlier this season -- including the Cup Series event at Michigan on June 17 -- while doing broadcast work during TNT's "Summer Series." John Andretti qualified 37th and finished 27th that day.

If Petty cannot drive, Andretti will not be an option. He has signed with BAM Racing for the remainder of the season as driver of the No. 49 car.

Petty has one top-10 finish -- third at Charlotte -- this season with an average finish of 28.6.