Ryan Newman is awake and speaking to doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., following his last-lap crash in Monday’s (Feb. 17) Daytona 500, Roush Fenway Racing announced Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The update is the first that confirms Newman is awake, after previous reports that he had been transported to the hospital in “serious condition” but with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages across the country,” the statement reads. “They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond.”
Update on Ryan Newman: pic.twitter.com/TdJHDZ3O7O
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 18, 2020
Further details on the extent of Newman’s injuries have not yet been revealed.
Newman was leading the Daytona 500 on its last lap coming to the checkered flag when he was turned into the outside wall after contact with Ryan Blaney. After flipping over, his No. 6 was impacted by Corey LaJoie’s car, sending his Ford flipping before it came to rest on the apron of the Daytona International Speedway frontstretch.
Denny Hamlin won the race in a photo finish against Blaney.
Roush Fenway Racing has not yet announced its plan for the weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. Newman’s No. 6 is currently on the entry list, albeit without a driver listed.
Rutherford is the managing editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2015 after serving on the editing staff for two years. At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
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Such good news! Continued prayers!
ABSOLUTELY!
Yes, let’s continue to pray for the Rocketman.
Prayers for Ryan and the team as well.