DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Less than 24 hours after a fiery crash in the final moments of the Daytona 500, Ryan Newman is awake and speaking with loved ones and doctors at Halifax Medical Center.
The NASCAR racer was rushed to the hospital in serious condition Monday night when his No. 6 Ford Mustang went airborne and flipped several times before it skidded upside down on the track as bright orange sparks and flames trailed behind it.
“Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country. They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond,” a message from Roush Fenway Racing on Tuesday read.
Officials have said that Newman’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
Roush Fenway Racing posted on Twitter that it will continue to provide updates on Newman’s injuries in the coming days.
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Ryan Newman (6) goes airborne as he collided with Corey LaJoie (32) on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)Track personnel arrive to help Ryan Newman (6) after he flipped his car on the final lap in front of the grandstands during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Chris Buescher (17) goes low to avoid Ryan Newman (6) a he wrecks and flips on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)Ryan Newman (6) crashes on the last lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)Denny Hamlin, front left, passes Ryan Blaney, front right on the way to the finish line to win NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race as Ryan Newman (6) goes upside down during a crash at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/David Graham)Ryan Newman (6) slides in front of the grandstands on his roof after crossing the finish line during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)Ryan Newman (6) gets turned into the wall by Ryan Blaney (12) as Denny Hamlin (11) misses them along the front stretch to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)Denny Hamlin (11) squeezes between Ryan Newman (6) and Ryan Blaney (12) along the front stretch to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)Ryan Newman slides down the track after he was involved in a crash on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/David Graham)Ryan Newman, top center, goes airborne as he is hit by Corey LaJoie (32) on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Ryan Newman (6) goes airborne as he collided with Corey LaJoie (32) on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
After the crash Monday, spectators and racers expressed concern for Newman and anxiously awaited news on his condition.
Pictures from the Daytona 500 show an ambulance on the track as personnel rushed to remove Newman from his mangled Mustang.
Many fans lingered around the Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, hoping to hear some good news about Newman’s condition.
“You can tell the vibe throughout the whole crowd was that everyone was kind of like, ‘Wow this is serious,’” Arnie Beckley said.
Newman's serious injuries overshadowed Denny Hamlin's third Daytona 500 win but Hamlin said once he found out about the crash, his thoughts were with Newman.
“We’re praying for the best. We know Ryan’s a heck of a tough guy, so we’re going to hope he comes out of it good,” Hamlin said.
Members of the NASCAR community are also hopeful for a speedy recovery.
“Sounds like he’s going to do OK. He’s banged up but he’ll be back to race again for sure,” Beckley said.
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Loren Korn is a native Texan who joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2014. She was born and raised in Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism.
