Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

An allergic reaction sent racer Chris Ulrich to the hospital Friday night, where he was treated and released. Ulrich returned to his RV at Road Atlanta around 12:30 a.m.

Ulrich apparently reacted to an over-the-counter disinfectant containing lidocaine, which he used to clean dirt and grit out of abrasions on his back.

Ulrich suffered the abrasions when he highsided during Superstock qualifying Friday afternoon and the back of his leather suit tore, exposing his back. Because the suit did not fit correctly with a full back-protector in place, Ulrich was instead using a smaller back-protector that did not cover the shoulder blade area.

The reaction included a puffed-up face, a severe rash/hives over his entire body and a tingly face, ears and hands.

Ulrich initially was seen by EMTs at the racetrack, who transported him to the Road Atlanta medical center and then advised him to seek further treatment at a community hospital in Winder.