Roush Fenway Racing has offered an update on injured NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, saying he is “fully alert and walking around” in hospital in Florida.
Newman, 42, was injured in a last-lap wreck in Monday’s rain-delayed Daytona 500, when contact at the final corner tipped him hard into the barrier, which in turn sent him airborne in a frightening incident.
He was transported by ambulance to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, where his condition was described initially as “serious” but not life-threatening.
On Tuesday, RFR issued an update on Newman’s condition, noting that he was “awake and speaking” to medical staff and his family at the hospital.
On Wednesday, the team has confirmed he is now walking around, with a social media post by RFR showing Newman smiling and hugging his daughters.
Ryan Newman Continues Great Improvement pic.twitter.com/xIZRiaRApi
— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020
“Ryan Newman continues to show great improvement after Monday night’s last-lap accident at Daytona International Speedway,” the statement read.
“The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center.
“True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while spending time with his two daughters.”