Ryan Newman Survives Terrifying 195mph Daytona 500 Crash, Hospitalized in Serious Condition
The 2020 Daytona 500 concluded with a heart-stopping incident that left NASCAR driver Ryan Newman hospitalized in serious but non-life-threatening condition after a catastrophic crash on the final lap. The 42-year-old Indiana native, driving the No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, was leading the race when his car was nudged into the wall at nearly 195mph, triggering a violent sequence of events that saw his vehicle flip, catch fire, and skid across the finish line upside down. The dramatic scene, which unfolded on February 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway, prompted an outpouring of concern from fans, fellow drivers, and even President Donald Trump, while the race’s winner and his team issued a somber apology for their initial victory celebrations.
The crash occurred as Newman battled for the lead against Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney in a thrilling overtime finish. Blaney, pushing Newman’s car to maintain the lead, inadvertently made contact that sent Newman’s Ford careening into the outer wall. The impact caused the car to go airborne, where it was struck again on the driver’s side by Corey LaJoie’s car, flipping multiple times before landing on its roof, engulfed in flames. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, spending nearly ten minutes cutting Newman from the wreckage before transporting him to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Roush Fenway Racing released a statement late Monday night, confirming Newman’s serious condition but noting that doctors described his injuries as non-life-threatening. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time,” the team added.
The NASCAR community and beyond were quick to rally around Newman, known as “Rocket Man” for his fearless driving style. President Donald Trump, who served as the grand marshal for the rain-delayed race and gave the command to start engines on Sunday, tweeted his support: “Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan.” The message sparked a wave of reactions, with fans and drivers alike expressing relief and hope for Newman’s recovery. South Bend mayor and then-presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, representing Newman’s hometown, also shared his prayers, noting, “Praying for a son of South Bend tonight, as we all wish the best for @RyanJNewman and his family after today’s devastating accident.” Fellow drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bubba Wallace, and Jimmie Johnson, took to social media to voice their concern, with many highlighting the sport’s inherent dangers and the advancements in safety that likely saved Newman’s life.
Denny Hamlin, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, clinched his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory in the second-closest finish in the race’s history, but the triumph was overshadowed by Newman’s crash. Unaware of the severity of the incident due to limited communication after crossing the finish line, Hamlin and team owner Joe Gibbs celebrated in victory lane. Gibbs later issued a heartfelt apology, stating, “We didn’t know until victory lane. I know that for a lot of us, participating in sports where there are risks, that’s what gets us excited, but we just dream it doesn’t happen. We are all praying now for the outcome on this.” Hamlin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that “someone’s health and their family is bigger than any win in any sport.” The somber mood underscored the tight-knit nature of the NASCAR community, with many recalling the tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt in a similar last-lap crash at Daytona in 2001.
Newman’s crash was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in superspeedway racing, despite significant safety improvements since Earnhardt’s death. The Purdue engineering graduate, a vocal critic of NASCAR’s past struggles to keep cars grounded, had experienced similar incidents at Daytona in 2003 and Talladega in 2009. His No. 6 Ford, built by Roush Fenway Racing, proved robust enough to protect him, a testament to advancements in car design and safety measures like reinforced roll cages. By Tuesday, February 18, 2020, positive news emerged as Newman was reported to be “awake and speaking” with family and doctors, and by Wednesday, he walked out of the hospital hand-in-hand with his two daughters, Ashlyn and Brooklyn, in a moment that brought relief to fans worldwide.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety in NASCAR, with drivers like Corey LaJoie praising the sport’s efforts to improve car safety, stating, “The fact that he’s still with us is a testament to how safe they’re trying to make these race cars.” As Newman continues his recovery, the focus now shifts to his eventual return to the track, with Roush Fenway Racing affirming his determination to race again. For now, the NASCAR community remains united in support of one of its most respected competitors, grateful for his survival and hopeful for his full recovery.
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