DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Tony Stewart was air-lifted to Florence, S.C., hospital after getting involved in an 11-car crash. Stewart was placed on a stretcher after being removed from his car.

	Tony Stewart, on stretcher, is loaded onto a helicopter to be transported to a Florence, S.C., hospital.

NASCAR announced that Stewart was taken to Carolinas Hosptial System in Florence, S.C. by air. He was conscious and alert, and complaining of pain in his lower back. He was also complaining of numbness and tingling in the left foot.

RPM2Night reported that Stewart underwent X-rays and CT scan of his head, chest, back and pelvis and that all were negative. Stewart was still experiencing lower back pain and was to be held overnight at the hospital.

FOX announcers reported that some drivers -- including Jimmy Spencer, who was also involved in the wreck -- said they had talked to Stewart after the accident and that he appeared to be OK.

The wreck began when the lapped car of Buckshot Jones lost control and veered in front of Stewart, who had been leading the race at the time.