Ryan Newman is ‘awake and speaking’

KANSAS CITY, KS - OCTOBER 20: Ryan Newman, driver of the #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet, stands by his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on October 20, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Finally, some good news.  The Roush-Fenway Race team released a statement Tuesday afternoon updating the condition of Ryan Newman”

“Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. 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 was seriously injured but survived a terrifying crash at the conclusion of Monday night’s Daytona 500.

Newman was leading coming out of turn 4, followed closely behind by Ryan Blaney.  Blaney came down to try and get past Newman, who came down to block. The rear of Newman’s Ford clipped the front of Blaney’s and was sent airborne.  It was then hit by the Ford of Corey Lajoie and sent tumbling down the frontstretch. The car slid on its roof coming to rest in a heap near the end of pit road.

Several hours passed before Steve O’Donnell, executive vice president and chief racing development officer at NASCAR read a statement from Newman’s Roush-Fenway Racing team that said in part:

“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life threatening. 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.”

Tuesday afternoons update was the first since the initial reports that his injuries were life threatenin

Greg Engle