Ryan Newman is making the best of his time sidelined from the NASCAR Cup Series tour as he recovers from a head injury sustained in a crash on the last-lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. In the last week, he’s been fishing and paid a visit to the Roush Fenway Racing shop.
“Got a little therapy in yesterday,” Newman (@RyanJNewman) tweeted Tuesday, including a photo of a fish he caught.
On Wednesday, he visited the race shop of his #6 Roush Fenway Racing team. Roush Fenway, then, tweeted a series of photos and a video from the driver’s visit.
“So we had a special visitor today,” the tweet from @RoushFenway read. “Great to see @RyanJNewman back at the shop and receiving a standing ovation by all.”
After his crash at Daytona, Newman was transported to nearby Halifax Medical Center. Although he originally was listed in serious condition, he left the hospital fewer than 48 hours later.
Newman revealed later that he suffered a head injury but no broken bones or other internal injuries. No timetable for his return has been established, and his treatment for his head injury continues.
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ross Chastain substituted for Newman in the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Feb. 23 and will continue to drive the #6 RFR Ford until Newman’s return.
Newman was not in attendance during the LVMS race weekend, but he released a statement, read by Roush Fenway Racing President Steve Newmark.
“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 statement read. “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 craftsmanship 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 #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.”
