On the last lap of Monday night’s race at Daytona International Superspeedway, Ryan Newman was involved in an accident that sent his car upside down.
Newman had held the lead through the final two turns and looked to take the checkered flag on the front stretch, but was turned inadvertently by a loose Ryan Blaney.
Ryan Newman’s injuries from crash “Not Life Threatening”
UPDATE (3:49 p.m. ET) – Roush Fenway Racing posted another update Tuesday afternoon saying Newman was, “Awake and speaking with family and doctors.”
Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is awake and speaking with family and doctors.
Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country. They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond.
We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
Roush Fenway Racing has released a statement as of 10:05 p.m. ET.
“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life threatening. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Safety crews rushed to extinguish the flames coming from Newman’s No. 6 car after the race.
It took the crew an extended amount of time to remove Newman from his car.
The broadcast crew for the race reported that Newman would be taken directly to a local hospital after getting out of the car.
As safety crews attended to the driver, black screens were put up to keep fans from seeing the carnage.
A stretcher is next to Newman’s car. Crews are using black screens to keep fans from seeing. And media has just been told to leave the pits. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/OFFIpTWcoz
— Joe Kepner (@JoeKepner) February 18, 2020
However, Newman was reportedly awake and a cheer was heard after he was taken out of the car.
Heard crowd cheering but couldn’t see much. One of Newman’s crew said he didn’t know if he was okay as he walked by. A Penske employee told me he is awake. #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/KdQyphdFYc
— Joe Kepner (@JoeKepner) February 18, 2020
A reporter from the Daytona Beach, Florida area says that the ambulance has arrived at the nearby Halifax Health Medical Center.
Activity at Halifax Health following #Daytona500 crash. We believe Ryan Newman just arrived. Rushed into trauma entrance, escorted by deputies. No word on his condition @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/LdGMRc1FZ3
— Nicole Griffin (@NicoleNews13) February 18, 2020
Following the ambulance’s exit from the race track, Newman’s car was driven off the premises, but not covered up.
https://twitter.com/ryanforgue/status/1229578795046309889
Newman, a 42-year old native of South Bend, Indiana, was looking to win his second career Daytona 500. He won his first with Team Penske in 2008.
Newman was scheduled to compete in the entirety of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. The next official race is scheduled for Sunday, February 23 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Roush Fenway Racing has asked fans and reporters to send prayers and also to not speculate on the condition of Newman’s health in a tweet they sent out Monday night following the race.
We ask that out of respect for privacy that you please do not speculate on Ryan Newman’s condition until an official statement has been issued by @NASCAR, @FordPerformance, or @RoushFenway racing. Thank you.
— Roush Yates Engines (@roushyates) February 18, 2020
We will have any official updates and new information as they become available to us, updated in this article and on Twitter at @RacingVault.
