Former NASCAR Driver Arrested for Attempted Rape

Former NASCAR driver Jimmy Neal got out of jail early this morning -- and now he's headed right back ... after he was arrested hours later for attempted rape.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Neal got out of jail at around 1:30 AM -- after serving about two weeks for felony evading while driving recklessly. We're told Neal then went to the home of a woman in Lake Forest, CA at around 3:00 AM and police were called three hours later for a disturbance.

When police arrived, we're told the woman (who claims she had only met Neal once before) told officers Neal attempted to rape her.

Law enforcement sources tell us Neal was transported to a local hospital rather than jail because he complained of chest pains.

When he is medically cleared, he will be booked for attempted rape and false imprisonment.

Neal was a NASCAR driver in the 1980s -- he never won a national race.