RICHMOND$A Richmond Karting Speedway official who was taken to the hospital following an accident Saturday morning was back at work that afternoon.

The track official, who declined to be identified, was taken by a LifeFlight of Maine helicopter to a Maine Hospital after being struck by a go-kart during a practice run, said track manager Roger Collins.

"The person is actually fine," Collins said. "He back to the track at 3 p.m."

The speedway hosts go-kart racing every weekend for drivers of all ages.

The accident occurred when one of the go cart drivers lost control, left the track and crashed through a gate into the pit area before striking the official, who operates the gate, Collins said.

A firefighter and registered nurses joined two paramedics stationed at the track to quickly treat the injured official, Collins said. The official, who never lost consciousness, was taken by helicopter as a precaution, Collins said.

The driver of the go cart was not injured.

It is the first major accident in the 10-year history of the track.