Ryan Newman crash update: Injuries reportedly not life-threatening
To avoid speculation and rumors in the wake of such a dangerous wreck, here’s everything we know about NASCAR driver Ryan Newman following his scary crash at Daytona 500.
What was shaping up to be an exciting finish on the final lap of Daytona 500 quickly took a brutal turn when NASCAR driver Ryan Newman’s car flipped in a scary crash.
Newman was leading on the last lap, but hit the wall after being nudged by Ryan Blaney as they locked bumpers. Newman’s car was hit by another car behind him and went airborne, flipping before skidding along the track. (Those wishing to see footage of the incident may do so here, but please be advised that the video is unsettling.)
According to NASCAR.com, Newman was taken to a local hospital in the Dayton Beach area after being removed from his car by rescue personnel. Crews were using black screens to keep fans from seeing, while the media was told to leave the pits, according to WFTV Sports’ Joe Kepner.
UPDATE: According to NASCAR’s official Twitter account, Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center and is in serious condition, but his injuries are not life-threatening:
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
Denny Hamlin ultimately won the race, but Newman’s status immediately became the greater concern. According to ESPN, Blaney said he locked in behind Newman, the driver of the No. 6 Ford Mustang, in a move of brand alliance for Ford:
"“We pushed Newman there to the lead and then we got a push from the 11 … I was committed to just pushing him to the win and having a Ford win it and got the bumpers hooked up wrong. It looked bad.”"
The 42-year-old Newman was credited with a ninth-place finish in the race, which was delayed until Monday due to rain. We will update this story as official information is released on his condition.