Michael Annett out indefinitely with broken sternum

Jeff Gluck, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett will be out indefinitely after breaking and dislocating his sternum in Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway.

Annett, who drives for Richard Petty Motorsports, was hospitalized after the crash with what was initially thought to be deep bruising. He was released from the hospital Sunday morning.

Upon his return to North Carolina, Annett visited two different doctors who determined the injury was worse than feared. RPM said Annett will undergo surgery "immediately" in Charlotte and will be out for an undetermined amount of time.

The crash which injured Annett happened five laps from the finish and was not the same incident in which Kyle Larson's car sailed into the fence and showered spectators with debris.

In his absence, Sprint Cup Series driver Aric Almirola will race RPM's No. 43 car in the Nationwide Series at Phoenix. The team will further evaluate its options after Phoenix, it said.

"Richard Petty Motorsports' primary concern is the health of Annett and getting him the proper treatment he needs for a full recovery," the statement said.

Annett, 26, is entering his fifth full season in the Nationwide Series. He had a breakthrough last year when he finished fifth in the point standings and scored 17 top-10 finishes -- four more than his previous career total combined.