Kyle Larson to miss NASCAR race after fainting at autograph session

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson, who fainted during an autograph session Saturday, will not compete in Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway.

Larson’s team announced Sunday that he was undergoing testing at Carolina’s Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., and that he had not been medically cleared to drive.

After fainting, Larson, the 2014 Sprint Cup rookie of the year, was initially taken to Martinsville Memorial Hospital and later released. His doctors, however, wanted him to see a neurologist, prompting him to fly to Charlotte for further testing.

“Although all tests came back negative and Larson feels completely fine, the doctors felt he should be held for more testing,” the team said.

Regan Smith will replace Larson for Sunday’s race.

Larson, 22, had eight top-five finishes as a rookie last year and finished 17th in the overall standings.

Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway begins at 10 a.m. PDT.