Scott Speed breaks back while competing in a Nitro Rallycross heat race.

PHOTO CREDIT: Subaru Motorsport USA.

Former Formula 1 driver Scott Speed will miss the remainder of the Nitro World Games in Utah after fracturing his back during the first round of heat races yesterday. 

The Americas Rallycross championship leader carried too much speed on the approach to the final jump of the track and landed quite hard after the jump.

Speed was able to cross the chequered flag but immediately complained of back pain.

Subaru Motorsports USA team issued a statement confirming that Speed had been taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

The American took to his Instagram account earlier today confirming the extent of his injuries. 

"After landing hard in Q1 I broke my back," Speed said. "Was rushed to the local hospital for checks. CT scan confirmed a destroyed t6, then I was taken to a spine specialist at University of Utah."

"Finally got an MRI done around 3am. We found I have 3 fractured vertebrae. Waiting now for the surgeons to give us the game plan."


*Further updates will follow once made available