CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The driver of the safety truck that exploded into flames during the Daytona 500 is thanking NASCAR fans for their concern.
Duane Barnes was driving the jet dryer that was hit under caution when something broke on Juan Pablo Montoya's car and sent it careening into the truck. The collision caused a raging inferno that scorched the track and stopped Monday night's race for just over two hours.
Barnes was evaluated at a Daytona hospital Monday night and released.
He's a 24-year employee of Michigan International Speedway and frequently assists at race tracks owned by International Speedway Corp. by driving jet dryers.
He says he's thankful for all the well wishes he's received.
The Michigan track had three jet dryers and two employees assisting with the Daytona 500.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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