Nemechek

	Benson

RICHMOND, Va. -- Johnny Benson will miss Saturday night's Pontiac Excitement 400 Winston Cup race because of injuries sustained in a crash Friday night.

Benson sustained a broken right rib when he crashed just 23 laps into the Hardee's 250 Busch race at Richmond International Raceway.

Benson's team said Joe Nemechek would drive the car in the injured driver's place.

Benson spent the night at Bon Secours Regional Memorial Medical Center for observation, and team officials said he planned to watch Saturday's race from the hospital.

"Johnny took a very tough hit," said Jay Frye, general manager of Benson's MBV Motorsports team. "The doctors here in Richmond decided to hold him overnight for precautionary reasons. We support their decision.

"There is a long way to go in the season, and we feel it is in Johnny and the team's best interest to have him sit out."

Nemechek has been looking for a ride since his Haas-Carter Motorsports team closed its doors earlier this year when sponsor Kmart went bankrupt.

Benson was scheduled to start 16th Saturday night.