WATCH: Scary wreck sends sprint car driver Swindell to hospital

Published Aug. 14, 2015 9:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

Posted by Bruce St. James on Thursday, August 13, 2015

KNOXVILLE, Iowa — Sprint car driver Kevin Swindell was airlifted to a hospital after his car flipped at the start of a heat race at the Knoxville Nationals.

Swindell's wife and father said in a statement late Thursday that he was undergoing treatment and tests at Des Moines Mercy Hospital. On Friday his father announced that Swindell had suffered "a significant injury" and undergone surgery, and that he was scheduled for more surgery Monday.

They thanked the Knoxville Raceway safety team for their quick response and the support of the racing community. Swindell tweeted late Thursday night: "Thanks everyone for the love. Long road ahead. Enjoy every minute you got."

Swindell's car flipped, hit an outside wall and landed on its wheels at the World of Outlaws event Thursday.

The 26-year-old Swindell, from Germantown, Tennessee, is the son of sprint car great Sammy Swindell. The younger Swindell also races stock cars, winning twice in the ARCA Racing Series and competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.