DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Four-time defending Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was unhurt Thursday in an accident in the opening practice for this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona Grand-Am Rolex Series sports-car race at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnson was driving the No. 99 Chevrolet Riley fielded by defending Rolex Series Daytona Prototype champions Gainsco Racing down the infield straightaway that has a high-speed kink in the middle when a slower car moved over on him and forced him into the infield, where he hit a barrier backwards.

The car was badly damaged, but Johnson, who visited the track’s infield hospital, was only bruised, team owner Bob Stallings said.

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