Ryan Newman Makes First Appearance At NASCAR Track Since Daytona 500 Crash

Roush Fenway/Twitter

It may be awhile before we see Ryan Newman behind the wheel of a race car again, but the NASCAR driver didn’t let his recent crash keep him from the track. Newman made an appearance at the Phoenix Raceway Friday looking healthy and happy almost three weeks after a horrifying crash at the Daytona 500 put him in the hospital.

With a smile on his face and a Coke in his hand, Newman spoke briefly to media on Friday and made it clear that he is happy to be alive and is going to support his Roush Fenway Racing team while he recovers from an undisclosed head injury.

“I’m just really here to support the No. 6 team, stay integrated with what I can do with the team and have some fun, obviously. That’s what it’s all about,” Newman said before shouting out Ross Chastain who is filling in for him in the No. 6 Ford. “Want to see Ross do well, but I’d rather be in Ross’ seat. So just want to make sure we’re doing everything we possibly can for our sponsors and for myself to have a good weekend.”

Newman also added that there is no time table for his return, but he is thankful to be alive.

“It’s great to be alive,” Newman said. “After looking at my car, it’s a miracle.”

Ryan Newman’s crash took place as he approached the finish line at the Daytona 500. Newman was leading when Ryan Blaney’s car made contact with the rear of Newman’s car. The nudge caused Newman’s car to hit the outside wall and go airborne. Newman’s car landed upside down on the track and was struck on the driver’s side by Corey LaJoie’s car. It took emergency personnel 10 minutes to get Newman out of the car. He was transported to a local hospital and released less than 48 hours later.

We are thrilled to see Ryan Newman back at the track and look forward to seeing him behind the wheel again.

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