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Before Heading on Daytona 500 Winner Media Tour, Hamlin Stopped by Newman’s Hospital

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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Denny Hamlin captured his third Daytona 500 victory of his career and second-consecutive on Monday.

Hamlin should have been feeling on top of the world, but instead he was worried about his fellow competitor Ryan Newman, who was sent to Halifax Medical Center on Monday evening after a hard crash while battling with Ryan Blaney and Hamlin for the win on the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Hamlin disconnected his radio after going across the finish line to secure the win, and his spotter Chris Lambert was too busy checking with Newman’s spotter Jason Jarrett on the driver’s condition to relay the message to halt celebration.

The No. 11 team jumped around on pit road and Hamlin took his Toyota Camry for a spin in the grass, before realizing just how badly things had gone in Newman’s crash.

Once the severity of the incident was understood, Hamlin and the No. 11 team’s celebration became quite subdued.

Following going through the victory lane process, Hamlin took to Twitter to relay his anguish over celebrating while his fallen colleague was being worked on by paramedics.

Hamlin — as is the obligation of the Daytona 500 champion each year — was scheduled to head to New York City for media appearances on Tuesday. But before Hamlin took off to take care of the obligations, he requested to stop by Halifax Medical Center, and according to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Hamlin spoke to Newman’s father in the hospital.

Hamlin has loyal fans, but he has also gained a lot of detractors over the years. That comes with the territory when you’re a world-class race car driver. Drivers are notoriously selfish once the helmets go on. But one thing is for sure, Hamlin atoned for cutting through the grass on Monday by stopping by the hospital in an effort to provide comfort to the Newman family.

3 Responses

    1. According to NASCAR the caution was not officially called in the Daytona 500 until the first 5 or 6 cars crossed the finish line.

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