Ross Chastain to fill in for Ryan Newman

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 08: Ross Chastain, driver of the #45 CarShield Chevrolet, stands by his truck during qualifying for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway on November 08, 2019 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Roush Fenway Racing announced Wednesday that Ross Chastain will fill in for Ryan Newman starting this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Chastain will be in the No. 6 Ford. Newman was injured in a last-lap accident while leading Monday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and Wednesday was released from Halifax Medical Center.

“First and foremost, our focus remains with Ryan and his family as he continues to recover,” said Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark. “We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all of those who have offered support and taken the time to send their thoughts and prayers to Ryan, his family and everyone at Roush Fenway Racing”.

“The NASCAR community has long prided itself on being a close-knit family,” added Newmark. “That is never more evident than during these types of moments, and we want to express our appreciation to everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing as well as Kaulig Racing for allowing Ross to fill in for Ryan in the No. 6 on such short notice.”

Chastain has won three times in the NASCAR Truck Series and twice in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, including a dominating performance at LVMS in 2018. The Alva, Florida native has made 72 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and finished top-10 in the 2019 Daytona 500. He was poised for another strong finish in Monday’s 500, before being involved in a late-race accident.

Currently there is no timetable for Newman’s return.  The team said additional updates will be provided as they become available.

Greg Engle