After a devastating fiery crash at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been released from the hospital.
The 42-year-old racer, nicknamed “Rocket Man,” drove his No. 6 Ford Mustang for the big day that ended in a blaze reminiscent of Dale Earnhardt’s fatal crash in 2001, according to Pop Culture. Newman had been in the lead when a fellow racer bumped him from behind that caused his vehicle to erupt in flames.
Fans were horrified to learn that he was in “serious condition,” but by Wednesday, Twitter lit up with reports that he had been treated and released from the hospital.
“First and foremost, our focus remains with Ryan and his family as he continues to recover,” said Newman’s sponsor 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.”
Professional drivers, race analysts, and even President Trump rushed to express their gratitude to God for saving Newman’s life, Christian Headlines previously reported.
“Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan,” Trump tweeted.
“Thank God @RyanJNewman is built like a Middle Linebacker to survive that crash! Prayers were answered!” tweeted professional driver David Gravel, according to CBN News.
Racing analyst Larry Reynolds said, “I woke up this morning thinking of nothing but @RyanJNewman & his family! I speak from first-hand experience that you buckle drivers into race cars knowing there is a risk & you put them in God’s hands! Ryan is in God’s hands & our prayers are powerful! #PrayingforRyan #NASCAR.”
Following the crash, NASCAR transported Newman’s vehicle to their Research and Development facility in North Carolina to create safer measures to protect racers.
Newman has not made public his plans to return to racing. For now, as he recovers, Ross Chastain will take his place at the Pennzoil 400 at Los Angeles Motor Speedway.
Related:
‘God, Family, Country Matter Most’: President Trump Kicks Off NASCAR’s Daytona 500 Race
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Jared C. Tilton/Stringer
Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine. She blogs at mikaelamathews.com.
