NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman Hospitalized After Horrific Crash in Daytona 500

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, 42, was hospitalized and listed in serious condition at Daytona Beach hospital, reported USA Today. The driver was in a violent accident during the Daytona 500.

"Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center," read a statement issued by Newman's team Roush Fenway Racing. "He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life-threatening.

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"We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available."

Prayers up for Ryan Newman after this VERY scary crash at the #DAYTONA500. ?pic.twitter.com/cxSH8FCGi5

— Stadium (@Stadium) February 18, 2020

During the last lap of the Daytona 500, Newman’s car turned and slammed into the wall after contact from Ryan Blaney's No. 12.  The car further flipped into the air before being hit hard again by Corey LaJoie’s Ford.

Scary finish at #DAYTONA500 when leader Ryan Newman flipped right before the finish. Denny Hamlin wins but all thoughts on Newman right now. pic.twitter.com/Fltj5w5d2g

— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) February 18, 2020

It then landed on its roof and skidded across the track and onto a pit road with fire and sparks shooting out of it. Rescue workers rushed to the site and transferred Newman to a hospital. 

"We're grateful for the news about Ryan," said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports, in a statement.  "We had been waiting for information just like everyone else, so to hear some positive news tonight is a relief.

I hope Ryan Newman is still alive. What a horrible accident.#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/znNqOXGYtx

— Mark Poulose (@MarkPoulose) February 18, 2020

"Ryan has been an important part of the Roush Fenway and Ford NASCAR program this past year, and he is so respected for being a great competitor by everyone in the sport. The entire Ford family is sending positive thoughts for his recovery, but our first thoughts remain with his family and his team."

Daytona update: multiple reports indicate Ryan Newman was AWAKE when they were helping him out of the car and that he was rushed directly into the trauma center of the local hospital. Still praying! #NASCAR

— Amy Lawrence (@ALawRadio) February 18, 2020

Newman has won 18 NASCAR Cup races.   

A stretcher is next to Newman’s car. Crews are using black screens to keep fans from seeing. And media has just been told to leave the pits. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/OFFIpTWcoz

— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) February 18, 2020