BAYTOWN, Texas — Drivers took part in a three-hour practice session Wednesday night at the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas, in preparation for this weekend’s 2011 season opener for the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour powered by Swan Energy.

Sadly, the night took on a somber tone when Craig Scott of Rosemount, Minn., was rushed to the hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Scott, who has raced a USMTS and USRA Modified for several years, traveled to Texas to race with his son, Dustin, who was readying for his first-ever USMTS event.

“All of us at the USMTS want to offer our condolences to Dustin, Craig’s wife Colleen, Dustin’s sister Jennifer and the many family and friends of the Scott family during this difficult time,” said USMTS President Todd Staley. “Craig lived life to the fullest and was a friend to everybody he met. We’re gonna miss him.”

Information regarding funeral sevices and how fans and friends can contact the Scott family to share their well-wishes will be announced in the coming days.