Two-time Indy 500 racer Herm Johnson was seriously injured in a car crash west of Brainerd, Minn., authorities said.

Johnson, 58, was turning left at an intersection in Baxter and crossed into the path of another car heading the other way Saturday night, according to the State Patrol.

He was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, the patrol said. As of Friday, he was in good condition, a hospital spokesman said.

Alcohol use by Johnson was detected, the patrol added.

The other driver, Sharalynn M. Christenson, 21, of St. Paul, was treated and released.

Johnson is a performance driving instructor at Brainerd International Speedway.

He lives in Eau Claire, Wis., and runs a custom car-painting business there. He has done work for such prominent racers as Al Unser Jr. and Eddie Cheever Jr.

Johnson finished eighth in the 1984 Indy 500 and ninth in 1982.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482