NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is in serious condition and recovering at a hospital after his car flipped several times during the Daytona 500.
Newman, 42, was pulled from the wreckage of his car on Monday night and immediately taken to a nearby hospital where he is being treated for injuries that doctors said are not life-threatening.
“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life threatening,” according to a statement by Roush Fenway Racing. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
Newman is in his 19th season with NASCAR and previously won the Daytona 500 in 2008. Additionally, he is the winner of 18 Cup Series.
His crash came during the final lap of Monday’s race. Newman’s Koch Industries Ford went airborne and tumbled a number of times, throwing sparks, before coming to rest upside down and on fire.
The most vicious crash I have ever caught on video. Glad to hear Ryan Newman’s injuries aren’t life threatening. Wishing him a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/8REQWot81M
— Chris Weaver (@chris8video) February 18, 2020
President Trump, who made a stop at the storied race the day prior, expressed his thoughts about the crash on Twitter.
“Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan,” Trump tweeted in addition to retweeting the crash footage and the statement from Roush Fenway Racing.
Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2020
Denny Hamlin won the race and commented on the incident during a press conference after his finish.
“We’re praying for the best, you know, Ryan’s a tough guy,” Hamlin said.
“Ryan’s a tough guy”
Denny Hamlin speaking room the media now after winning the #Dayton500.
Says he’s like everyone else just waiting for an update on Newman. pic.twitter.com/IpNrKEvDN0
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) February 18, 2020
The crash came almost two decades after legendary racer Dale Earnhardt Sr. died during the final lap of the race in February 2001.
