LAS VEGAS – Before Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the racing community got the first official statement from driver Ryan Newman since the violent crash in the Daytona 500 that has sidelined him from the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford.
After expressing profuse thanks to well-wishers from all quarters of the industry and to those who treated him at Halifax Medical Center, Newman gave the first indication of the injuries he had suffered during the last-lap crash at Daytona, where his car flipped upside-down in the path of the oncoming car of Corey LaJoie.
“I was fortunate to avoid any internal organ damage or broken bones,” Newman said. “I did sustain a head injury for which I’m currently being treated. The doctors have been pleased with my progression over the last few days.
“Again, I want to thank each of you, from my partners, teammates and competitors and each and every fan across the country. Thank you, everyone, for the unparalleled concern and unwavering support. And to the media, who has acted with such respect and class during this time.
“I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the No. 6 car will be waiting and ready for my return. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and battling for another race win in the Roush Fenway Ford.”
Roush Fenway president Steve Newmark indicated Newman’s return would involve a systematic process.
“The first thing I would say is that I’m thankful that we’re actually even able to have this dialogue about that question because that was not something any of us were certain about when this happened, so it’s a great conversation to be having.
“The reality is there are three groups that are going to dictate when he returns because he has expressed unequivocally that this is where he wants to be and he wants to be back in a race car. Those three groups are going to be Ryan and his family, his doctors, and then NASCAR and their medical team. Our assumption is once all three of those sign-off, then we’ll see him back in a race car.”
Source: Reid Spencer | NASCAR Wire Service
