INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was closed for all activity Monday, but Robby McGehee received some good news when he received medical clearance to return to competition.

McGehee was cleared to drive for the 86th Indianapolis 500 after suffering small fractures in his upper spine and lower left leg in an accident during practice May 5, said Dr. Henry Bock, Indy Racing League director of medical services.

The 1999 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, McGehee became the first driver to hit the new SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) barrier, making contact in turn 3 on the opening day of practice.

McGehee spun, hit the SAFER barrier with the rear of the No. 10 Cahill Racing Dallara/Chevrolet and continued into the wall with the right side of the car before coming to rest between turns 3 and 4.

Mark Dismore, who suffered a concussion in an accident during practice Thursday, has not been cleared to drive, Bock said. Dismore's status will be determined after an evaluation later this week.