Ryan Newman, who suffered a head injury in a horror crash in the season-opening Daytona 500, expects to return to action when the NASCAR season resumes.
Newman suffered an unspecified closed head injury in a violent last-lap wreck in the Daytona 500 in February.
He was transported by ambulance to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, after his #6 Ford went airborne following contact with the wall and skated on its roof down the the track.
However, less than 48 hours later, Newman was able to walk out of the hospital under his own power with his two daughters.
He made his first visit to a track on 6 March at Phoenix.
Appearing as a guest at the start of Sunday’s Fox Sports broadcast of the eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series race at the virtual Talladega Superspeedway, Newman said he would “absolutely” be back in the car when the coronavirus-delayed season resumes.
“I’m so excited and thankful to be healthy and at some point get back in the race car when the world starts turning again,” Newman said.
“I’m thankful for all the people and support that I’ve got – friends, family, you name it, that have prayed for me and given me this multitude of miracles that has given me this opportunity to get back in the seat.”
Asked if that meant when NASCAR returns to real racing, if he would be behind the wheel of Roush Fenway Racing’s Ford, Newman said, “Absolutely and for sure. I’m healthy.
“I’ve been blessed with this situation giving me more time to heal.”
NASCAR races remain postponed through the 8-9 May race weekend at Martinsville.
There have been discussions with state and health officials about restarting the season in the Charlotte, North Carolina area in mid-May but without fans in attendance.
There remained some confusion, however, when Newman would be able to race.
Shortly after Newman’s appearance on the broadcast, NASCAR issued a statement indicating he had not yet been medically cleared to compete.
“We share Ryan’s enthusiasm in his return to the track,” the statement read.
“We look forward to Ryan returning to racing as soon as he is medically cleared to race.
Ross Chastain, who has been on loan from Chip Ganassi Racing and subbing for Newman during his recovery, posted a message on Twitter saying he looked forward to seeing Newman back to competition.
I’m happy Ryan is returning to the No. 6 when NASCAR resumes. He has a wonderful team around him and it’ll be great to see him back competing.
Thanks to Jack, RFR and all their sponsors for letting me keep his seat warm while he was making his recovery.
— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) April 26, 2020
In three starts in Newman’s #6 car, Chastain’s best start was 15th at Las Vegas and best finish was 17th at Fontana.