NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been hospitalized in serious condition after flipping his car in a horrific high-speed crash at the Daytona 500.
Newman was fighting for the lead against Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney when his No. 6 Ford slammed into the wall, then flipped up and over during the final lap of the race in Florida.
Ryan Newman has been hospitalized after a horrific crash in the Daytona 500 on MondayCredit: USA TODAY Sports
Newman’s car careened into the wall at nearly 200mph before it flipped across the racewayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Although Hamlin eventually won the race, his celebration quickly turned into a cause for concern as emergency crews rushed to remove Newman from the car.
“The finish, the history, that’s all great. One day it will all sink in. But right now all I’m thinking about is Ryan Newman,” Hamlin told ESPN reporter Ryan McGee after the crash.
Newman was silent on his radio as medics rushed onto the track, Sporting News reported.
He’s currently being treated at Halifax Medical Center and is in serious condition, but doctors say his injuries aren’t life-threatening, NASCAR said in a statement Monday night.
President Donald Trump offered his condolences to Newman, who he called “a great and brave Nascar driver.”
#Prayfornewman began trending on Twitter shortly after the accident – the hashtag has since amassed more than 4,800 tweets, many of which are filled with well-wishes and prayers for the 18-time NASCAR Cup winner.
Newman was rushed to a local hospital, but NASCAR didn’t provide an immediate update on his conditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Denny Hamlin won the 500 but cut his celebration short upon hearing the news of Newman’s hospitalizationCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ryan Blaney pushed Newman’s car out in front of the others, a risky move that sent him into the wallCredit: USA TODAY Sports
Newman’s car flipped, rolled, was hit on the driver’s side by another car, and finally skidded across the finish line engulfed in flames.
Safety workers spent nearly 10 minutes trying to pry the 42-year-old from his car, which was hurtling towards the finish line at nearly 200mph, according to Yahoo Sports.
He was taken to a local hospital, but NASCAR didn’t provide an immediate update on his condition.
Blaney pushed Newman’s car out in front of the others, a common move drivers use to edge out their opponents in order to snag the lead.
However, the maneuver comes with a ton of risk – Newman’s car quickly careened into the wall, sending smoke, sparks, and a tire tumbling across the raceway.
Newman’s car flipped twice before landing on its hood, sending smoke and sparks flyingCredit: USA TODAY Sports
The No. 6 Ford went airborne during the final lap of the race in FloridaCredit: USA TODAY Sports
Rescue crews spent 10 minutes trying to extricate Newman from the smoking wreckCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Nearly 20 cars were taken out in an accident with fewer than 20 laps to goCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Newman’s accident was one of several of many that took place at the historic eventCredit: USA TODAY Sports
At 209 laps, Monday’s race is the longest Daytona 500 in historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The horrific accident was one of many crashes that happened at the annual race held in Daytona, Florida.
Nearly 20 cars were taken out in an accident with fewer than 20 laps to go, followed by several others as drivers vied for the top spot in NASCAR’s biggest race.
At 209 laps, Monday’s race is the longest Daytona 500 in history.
The race was postponed for the second time in 62 years because of rain delays, Fox News reported.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
