Sylvain Barrier, rider of the Scheibe Racing BMW S1000RR in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, is recovering in a hospital tonight in Georgia after suffering a fast crash and serious injuries during practice Saturday at Road Atlanta.

Barrier was riding his BMW during Free Practice Three Saturday morning when he crashed entering Turn Two and he and his Superbike slid into an Airfence-fronted barrier at high speed.

“When I saw that happen I went cold,” said racer Cameron Petersen, who was watching in the corner at the time and saw Barrier crash. “And the sound it made…whoa! I was really happy to see he stood up and walked into the ambulance, but if that Airfence hadn’t been there it would have been really bad.”

Barrier did not escape injury, however. In addition to being knocked temporarily unconscious, Barrier broke multiple ribs and suffered a lacerated spleen, according to MotoAmerica Chaplain Raymond Rizzo.

The Frenchman was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery to stop some internal bleeding.

Barrier is being held overnight for observation, but he may be released as early as Sunday.