UPDATE 10:04pm ET: NASCAR Announced in the media center at the Daytona International speedway that Ryan Newman is in serious but not life-threatening conduction at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. The Newman family and Roush-Fenway organization have asked for privacy at this time.
NASCAR Statement: 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.
Original Story:
Ryan Newman’s car flipped over, was crashed into and caught fire at the finish line of the Daytona 500 on Monday as he tried to hold onto the lead.
Newman was not immediately responsive on his radio as medics rushed onto the track. The FOX television broadcast said he was being taken straight to the hospital.
Newman, 42, has been driving since 2000. His best season to date is the 2014 campaign, when he finished in second place in the championship chase.
Newman’s racing team released two statements Monday night asking people not to speculate about his health.
The final lap of the Daytona 500 took place after several previous big crashes in the race forced stoppages. Newman, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney were packed together nearing the final stretch, with Newman slightly ahead. Newman’s vehicle was turned into the outside wall, and as he flipped, Corey LaJoie was unable to avoid him while going at full speed.
Hamlin finished the race in first place, unaware of the severity of the accident, and initially celebrated the win before issuing an apology once he learned what had occurred behind him.
Further updates will be posted as they become available, but the scary scene left a somber cloud over what should have been a joyous and exciting finish to one of racing’s most popular annual events. It was the second-closest finish ever at the Daytona 500.
