Phil Hellmuth Crashes Racecar in Parking Lot

Eleven-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth is OK after crashing a NASCAR-style racecar in a hotel parking lot while doing laps to promote UltimateBet.com.

Hellmuth, who was dressed in a black and yellow UltimateBet driving suit with his name stitched down the sides of his legs, slammed head-on into the concrete base of a light pole that was acting as a turning point.

In the video, Hellmuth is shown speeding through the parking lot in a black and yellow No. 11 car branded by UltimateBet. He takes a few shaky turns around the pole's base and a PT Cruiser before crashing head-on into the concrete cylinder. He hit it so solidly that it looks like he aimed for it.

He then walks to the front of the car, helmet in hand, and takes a look at the damaged front end. He is smiling despite having what is described as "severe whiplash."

Hellmuth is scheduled to start the main event today.

Update

UltimateBet sent out a press release concerning the crash this morning. In it, it claims that he might not be able to play today. The entire release follows:

Phil Hellmuth Hurt in Racecar Crash; WSOP Performance in Jeopardy

The poker world is holding its breath today after a freak accident on the Las Vegas Strip in which poker legend Phil Hellmuth lost control of his high-speed racecar.

Hellmuth had spent the day testing the 200 mph racecar in the Nevada desert. Upon approaching his hotel, the 11-time WSOP bracelet winner lost control of the vehicle and crashed head-on into a pole.

While the racecar was totaled, witnesses report that Hellmuth was conscious as he left the vehicle unscathed but visibly shaken. According to one onlooker, Hellmuth quipped, "Well, you can't win every race."

With the main event of the World Series just hours away, it's still unknown whether the UltimateBet.net pro will recover in time to vie for the main event title and a 12th WSOP bracelet.

"I'd be amazed if he was able to play poker today after such a high-speed collision," stated eyewitness Brian Balsbaugh of Poker Royalty. "He had severe whiplash."

Hellmuth's main event start time was scheduled for noon on Monday, July 9. While friends are no doubt praying for a quick recovery, foes are likely relishing in his misfortune. After all, Hellmuth's absence from the floor at the Rio Hotel & Casino definitely makes the playing field a lot less fierce.

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