According to a statement from Roush Fenway Racing on Tuesday, Ryan Newman is awake and speaking to family and doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla.
“Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla.,” the statement read. “He is awake and speaking with family and doctors.
“Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country. They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond.
“We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”
Newman wrecked on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday night. He was leading the race on the final lap when he received a push from Ryan Blaney. Newman’s #6 RFR Ford then hit the wall, got airborne, flipped and landed on its roof. In the midst of the large multi-car crash, Corey LaJoie, unable to see where he was going, hit the driver-side window of Newman’s car.
Track safety personnel turned Newman’s car upright and removed him from the car. He was, then, transported to Halifax. Newman and LaJoie’s cars were taken to NASCAR’s Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C.
Denny Hamlin, who was challenging Newman for the lead before the incident, won his second-consecutive and third, overall, Daytona 500.
Also on Tuesday, fellow NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek suggested $6 donations to Newman’s Rescue Ranch, a non-profit animal welfare organization.
“In honor of @RyanJNewman, I made a donation to @RescueRanchNC with love and support for the entire Newman family,” Nemechek [@JHNemechek] tweeted. “I encourage our NASCAR fans and competitors alike to donate $6 in solidarity for the #RocketMan.”
Donations may be made here.
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