Ryan Newman was in the lead in the final lap of the Daytona 500, just ahead of Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney heading into Turn 4. Blaney bumped the back of Newman's car, sending Newman spinning into the wall. Another car then hit Newman's No. 6 and launched him into the air and down the speedway. The No. 6 Ford came to a stop upside down and in flames. The AMR safety team was there within seconds and Newman was taken straight to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.
Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line.
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2020
We will continue to keep you updated on his status as we learn more. pic.twitter.com/qkEwQBpoP0
"[Newman] is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life threatening," Roush Fenway Racing said in a statement Monday night. "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."
Hamlin barely edged out Blaney to win his second straight Daytona 500 victory. It was the second closest race in the history of the "Great American Race." Hamlin promptly celebrated with a fist pump and burnouts, but his focus quickly shifted when he heard the severity of Newman's crash.
“It’s a weird balance of excitement and happiness for yourself, but obviously someone’s health and their family is bigger than any win in any sport,” Hamlin said in an interview with ESPN. “We’re just hoping for the best.”
First a foremost I want to give well wishes and prayers to @RyanJNewman . I had absolutely NO IDEA of the severity of the crash until I got to victory lane. There’s very little communication after the finish and i had already unhooked my radio. It’s not anyone’s fault. 🙏Rocket
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) February 18, 2020
NASCAR hasn't lost an active driver in its three major circuits since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001.
Below are the latest updates on Newman's condition.
Ryan Newman updates
Wednesday, Feb. 19
3:45 p.m. ET — There is no timetable for Ryan Newman's return, Roush Fenway Racing said in a statement. Ross Chastain will fill in for Newman starting this weekend in the No. 6 Wyndham Rewards Ford.
“First and foremost, our focus remains with Ryan and his family as he continues to recover,” said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark in the statement. “We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all of those who have offered support and taken the time to send their thoughts and prayers to Ryan, his family and everyone at Roush Fenway Racing.”
1:43 p.m. ET — Ryan Newman has been released from the hospital, according to a photo shared on Twitter by Roush Fenway Racing.
Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center pic.twitter.com/J0twhGgQm7
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020
Krissie Newman shared a video to twitter of Newman walking with their two daughters.
Best sight ever!!! https://t.co/g1G3VDwpi1 pic.twitter.com/kMs4u8LjOL
— Krissie Newman (@NewmanKrissie) February 19, 2020
11:50 a.m. ET — Ryan Newman is "fully alert and walking" at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, according to the Roush Fenway official Twitter account.
Ryan Newman Continues Great Improvement: pic.twitter.com/66rToCHGsj
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020
Roush Fenway also tweeted out a photo of a smiling Newman with his two daughters.
Ryan Newman Continues Great Improvement pic.twitter.com/xIZRiaRApi
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020
Tuesday, Feb. 18
3:45 p.m. ET — Ryan Newman is "awake and speaking with family and doctors," according to the official Roush Fenway Twitter account.
Update on Ryan Newman: pic.twitter.com/TdJHDZ3O7O
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 18, 2020
11:51 a.m. ET — The president of Roush Fenway Racing said Newman remains hospitalized Tuesday morning, but a further update on the driver's condition was not given.
— Steve Newmark (@NewmarkRFR) February 18, 2020