NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman Released From Hospital After Crash

Ryan Newman (6) goes airborne as Corey LaJoie (32) crashes in to him on the final lap of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Feb. 17, 2020. John Raoux/AP Photo

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman was released from the hospital just two days after he crashed during the Daytona 500 in Florida.

Roush Fenway Racing posted a photo of Newman walking out of the hospital with two daughters. Hours before, the team posted a photo with Newman and his daughters saying that he is showing improvement.

“Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center,” it wrote on Twitter.

“True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while playing with his two daughters,” Roush Fenway Racing said in a statement.

In the last lap of the NASCAR race, Newman spun into the outside wall before bouncing off the barrier, flipping into the air. Newman’s car then skidded on its roof across the finish line.

Newman was extracted from the wreck and was immediately taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“Ryan continues to express his appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the country, and he and his family are grateful for the immense level of support that has been provided by the NASCAR community and beyond,” Roush Fenway Racing said in a prior statement this week.

On Tuesday, the organization said Newman was awake and speaking to his family while in the hospital.

“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,” Roush Fenway wrote.

Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Feb. 17, 2020. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, crashes and flips. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The details of Newman’s injuries have not been released by the team.

The crash drew the attention of President Donald Trump, who wrote: “Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave NASCAR driver.”

A number of NASCAR drivers reacted to Newman’s Wednesday health update on social media.

“This is so awesome!!” driver Kurt Busch wrote on Twitter. “Two things I’ve taken away from this: 1) There will always be risk involved in our sport. 2) The safety advancements NASCAR has made are incredible.”

“This is awesome,” Austin Dillon wrote on Twitter. “Thank you Jesus.”

Driver Corey LaJoie said he was thankful to hear about Newman’s recovery. His vehicle was unable to move out of the way of Newman’s car after it hit the wall.

“While I was down there I did send up a ’thank you Jesus for your hand of protection' prayer and at that moment I had no idea who I hit or the severity of it,” LaJoie wrote on Instagram. “I’m hearing very optimistic things on Ryan’s condition so your prayers are working guys, keep it rolling.”