Ryan Newman Confirms That He Suffered Head Injury In Daytona 500 Crash

Ryan Newman/Facebook NASCAR/Twitter

It’s been nearly a week since NASCAR driver Ryan Newman was involved in a horrific crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500. For the first time since the accident, Newman spoke out about his injuries and his ongoing recovery.

During Monday’s (February 17) Daytona 500 race, Newman was nearing the finish line when his car was nudged and sent into the outer wall of the track. His car struck the wall, went airborne, and was hit by another car on the driver’s side door after landing upside down on the track. It took rescue personnel 10 minutes to extract him from the car. Newman was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. In what can only be described as a miracle, Newman walked out of the hospital less than 48 hours later.

But, in a new statement issued Sunday, Newman revealed that while he suffered no broken bones or organ damage, he is being treated for an undisclosed head injury.

“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,” Newman wrote. “The doctors have been pleased with my progression over the last few days.”

Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Racing, read the lengthy statement from Newman during a press conference prior to Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas. The statement showed Newman’s appreciation for the support he’s received from the NASCAR community and thanked those who treated him after the crash. He also made it clear that he is looking forward to returning to racing in the future.

“I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the No. 6 car will be waiting and ready for my return,” Newman concluded. “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and battling for another race win in the Roush Fenway Ford.”

Newmark said it is Newman’s intent to race for the 2020 Cup championship this season, and the driver plans to ask NASCAR for an exemption to qualify for the playoffs when he’s medically cleared to return. Newmark added that Newman wants to personally discuss his ordeal and injuries when he returns to the track, which is why the team has been limited in providing updates.

Read Ryan Newman’s statement in full below, and scroll down for footage of his frightening Daytona 500 crash.

RYAN NEWMAN STATEMENT:

“I’m sorry that I can’t be at the track in person, but I asked Steve to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the support that was shown last week to both me and my family. The outpouring of emotion from not only the NASCAR community, but across the country has been truly humbling.

“I want to personally thank everyone, including the man upstairs, for their support, encouragement and the numerous offers of assistance. We always say that the NASCAR community is one big family and never has that been more evident to me than after seeing this family rally together and provide the comfort and support that has been shown to my family and me over the past few days. The calls and visits from the NASCAR executives and my friends and competitors has been truly uplifting.

“I want to thank everyone involved in my care, especially the staff at Halifax Medical Center, where I am convinced I received the best care available. I’m confident the efforts of each of those trained professionals played a major role in where I’m sitting today. And to the entire NASCAR organization, led by Jim France, thanks for being by my side the entire time. You truly stepped up to support me unconditionally when it mattered most.

“Most importantly, I have to thank the guys back at the Roush Fenway Racing shop that built me a car not only fast enough to lead the final seconds of the Daytona 500, but strong enough to do its job under great distress, allowing me to survive such an accident. I am truly indebted to each of you and it is unlikely I will ever be able to properly express to you how much the diligent effort with which you conduct your craftmanship has affected me and my family. I hope you took pride in the photograph of me walking out of the hospital hand-in-hand with my daughters on Wednesday. Thank you. I can’t wait to get back in your race car.

“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.

“Again, I want to thank each of you, from my partners, teammates and competitors and each and every fan across the country. Thank you everyone for the unparalleled concern and unwavering support. And to the media, who has acted with such respect and class during this time.

“I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the number six 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.”