A major crash on the white-flag lap of the Nationwide series opening race at the Daytona International Speedway sent several fans to area hospitals.

The crash occurred on the last lap of the race as Tony Stewart was taking the checkered flag for the win of the Drive4COPD race.

There were fans injured but no early word on how many. At least two fans have been placed on stretchers and taken to the hospital. NASCAR President Mike Helton confirmed that there were spectator injuries and fans were being transported to the infield care center and Halifax Memorial Hospital in Daytona Beach.

Longer coverage of the aftermath of the crash

Official NASCAR video:

Fan Cam - a view of the crash from the stands

Update 11:00PM

According to ESPN.com, more than 25 fans sustained injury; 2 of them critical.

WIBX AM 950 is the home of NASCAR racing in Central New York.

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