NASCAR: Ryan Newman sustained head injury; #6 car ready for return

Ryan Newman confirmed that he sustained a head injury in his Daytona 500 crash before going on to say that the #6 Ford will be “waiting and ready” for when he returns to the NASCAR Cup Series.

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 ended in horror when race leader Ryan Newman of Roush Fenway Racing was hit from behind coming to the checkered flag.

This contact with the #12 Ford of Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney sent Newman’s #6 Ford spinning into the SAFER barrier before it crashed and flipped onto its hood. Unable to avoid it, the #32 Ford of Go Fas Racing’s Corey LaJoie slammed into the driver’s side.

The #6 Ford, now on fire, continued to skid on its roof across the Daytona International Speedway track surface before coming to a rest several hundred yards later.

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The safety team were able to flip the car back over before extricating Newman, at which point he was immediately transferred to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

After a few hours passed without knowing anything, it was confirmed that Newman was in serious condition but that he had not sustained any life threatening injuries. Over the next two days, he made steady improvements, and within 48 hours, he had been treated and released.

Now the 42-year-old South Bend, Indiana native has confirmed that he sustained a head injury, but not any internal injuries. He is set to miss his first race since 2002 this afternoon, ending a 649-race streak that was tied for the series-long with that of Hendrick Motorsports’ Jimmie Johnson.

Newman also stated that team owner Jack Roush has confirmed that the #6 Ford will be ready for his return, whenever he is able to get back behind the wheel.

Here is what Newman had to say about the matter in a written statement.

"“I was fortunate to avoid any internal organ damage or broken bones. I did sustain a head injury for which I’m currently being treated. The doctors have been pleased with my progression over the last few days.“I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the No. 6 car will be waiting and ready for my return. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and battling for another race win in the Roush Fenway Ford.”"

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There is still no timetable on Ryan Newman’s NASCAR Cup Series return. Ross Chastain (pictured) is set to drive the #6 Ford in this afternoon’s 267-lap Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube around the four-turn, 1.5-mile (2.414-kilometer) Las Vegas Motor Speedway oval in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fox is set to broadcast this race live beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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