An absolutely horrific ending to the Daytona 500 today.
On the final lap, Ryan Newman was leading the pack when Denny Hamlin bumped Ryan Blaney, who eventually clipped Newman from behind. The impact sent Newman into the wall at an extremely high rate of speed, where he was eventually hit by Corey Lajoie.
His car flipped several times before crossing the finish line on its roof, sparks were flying and the car erupted in flames. According to some witnesses, he was awake when he was removed from the car, but nevertheless, he was taken to the hospital immediately. Denny Hamlin went on to win the race.
As of right now, there’s still no word on the severity of Newman’s condition, but obviously this was an awful crash and our hearts go out to his family and friends. These guys risk their lives every time they climb behind the wheel and right now, we’re just praying that he’s ok.
Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line.
We will continue to keep you updated on his status as we learn more. pic.twitter.com/qkEwQBpoP0
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2020
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 (@JKepnerWFTV) February 18, 2020
Fellow drivers expressed their thoughts and prayers for Ryan and his family.
Big prayers for Newman
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 18, 2020
Praying for @RyanJNewman right now.
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 18, 2020
This shit is real. We’re all on the road together doing what we love. Please let @RyanJNewman be ok here. 🙏
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) February 18, 2020
Dang I hope Newman is ok. That is worst case scenerio and I had nowhere to go but smoke.
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) February 18, 2020
#PrayersForRyanNewman 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) February 18, 2020
UPDATE:
Ryan is in serious but non-life threatening condition.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
