NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman In Serious Condition After Violent Crash At Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 ended on February 17, 2020, on a somber note as despite the big win of Denny Hamlin, the news of NASCAR driver Ryan Newman in serious condition in the hospital following his violent crash on the race track dampened the air of celebration. Newman is being treated at the Daytona Beach hospital and even though his injuries were serious, they are not life-threatening.

The statement regarding his well-being was released by Newman's team, Roush Fenway Racing, after 10 p.m. ET.

"Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center," the statement read. "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,” it further added.

During the race, Newman was in the lead in the last lap with the help of Ford teammate Ryan Blaney. But then his car, propelled from contact with Blaney’s car, turned and slammed into the wall, then flipped into the air. It then got hit by Corey LaJoie’s Ford, after which it landed on its roof, skidded across the track, with fire and sparks shooting out from the car. Rescue workers had rushed to get Newman out of the car, following which he was rushed to the hospital.

Newman, 42, has won 18 NASCAR Cup races in the past which also includes the Daytona 500 race held in 2008. This year, it was his second season driving the No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing.

"We're grateful for the news about Ryan," said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports after the news of Newman being out of danger was released. "We had been waiting for information just like everyone else, so to hear some positive news tonight is a relief.

"Ryan has been an important part of the Roush Fenway and Ford NASCAR program this past year, and he is so respected for being a great competitor by everyone in the sport. The entire Ford family is sending positive thoughts for his recovery, but our first thoughts remain with his family and his team,” he added.