Australia native and former NHRA Lucas Oil Series national champion Steve Harker was injured on Saturday in a terrifying crash during Top Alcohol Funny Car qualifying for the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk when he lost control of his 250 mph machine and slammed into the guardrail.

Harker, outside the field at number 18 going into the final session with just a 9.94-second best to his credit, was racing alongside John Headley in the first pair out when, around the 150-foot mark, the car began to haze the tires before making an abrupt move across the centerline. Harker crossed directly in front of Headley — who fortunately was late leaving the starting line or would have been collected in a near-certain collision — and made violent, nearly head-on contact with the concrete guardrail at a high rate of speed.

Harker was conscious while being attended to by the NHRA Safety Safari and was transported to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio for further evaluation. Exams revealed that Harker did not incur any head trauma, but was treated for a collapsed lung and broken ribs and is scheduled to be released from the hospital later today.