The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Steve Park was hired Thursday to drive for Richard Childress Racing, the same team that fielded cars for the late Dale Earnhardt.

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Park was fired Tuesday at Dale Earnhardt Inc. and was the first Winston Cup driver Earnhardt ever hired.

Now Park will drive the No. 30 Chevrolet for Richard Childress, Earnhardt's longtime boss.

"A mentor like Richard and a change of scenery is something I'm really looking forward to," Park said.

Park takes over for Jeff Green, who was fired Monday but was hired by DEI to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet.

NADEAU IMPROVING: Jerry Nadeau was upgraded to fair condition and moved out of the intensive care unit Thursday, six days after he was critically injured in a crash at Richmond International Raceway.

A team spokesman said Nadeau's vital signs are normal.

Nadeau suffered head, lung and rib injures in an accident during practice Friday when his car slammed driver's side first into the concrete wall at the track.

Mike Wallace was hired to fill in while Nadeau recuperates.

IRL: Shigeaki Hattori was released from the hospital Thursday, two days after crashing during practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Hattori suffered a concussion and broke the little finger on his left hand in the wreck. He had surgery on his finger Wednesday.

It is unknown when Hattori will drive again because he must first be cleared by Indianapolis Motor Speedway doctors. Qualifying begins Saturday for the Indy 500.