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

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.

1-For those hammering @dennyhamlin for his donuts,put the blame on me if u must blame anyone.I told him to slow down on backstretch & give the emergency staff time to roll,that we had a bad wreck.I saw DH get in line for lug nut check & assumed he was going straight to VL.

— Chris Lambert (@3widemiddle) February 18, 2020

2- I then made a beeline down to Jason Jarrett to check on the status of Ryan. I did not communicate any more info to DH after that, because I was only concerned with finding out info on Ryan. That is 100% on me, and I’M EXTREMLY SORRY.

— Chris Lambert (@3widemiddle) February 18, 2020

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.

First a foremost I want to give well wishes and prayers to @RyanJNewman. I had absolutely NO IDEA of the severity of the crash until I got to victory lane. There’s very little communication after the finish and i had already unhooked my radio. It’s not anyone’s fault. 🙏Rocket

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) February 18, 2020

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.

Before heading to NYC overnight, Denny Hamlin went to the hospital last night and talked to Newman’s dad. #nascar @NASCARONFOX

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 18, 2020

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.