Ryan Newman Still Being Treated With Head Injury, Goal to Win 2020 Cup Championship

Roush Fenway Racing’s Steve Newmark conducted a press conference Sunday morning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he read a statement prepared by Ryan Newman.

In the statement, Newman, 42, thanked the, “Man upstairs,” as well as the fans and his competitors for all of the texts and tweets, as they have been,”uplifting.”

Newman gave his largest thanks to the staff at Halifax Medical Center, who treated him in the moments and days after the crash, as well as his race team for constructing such a safe car.

Newman, in the statement says that he sustained a head injury in his scary Daytona 500 crash, which is still being treated. However, Newman has no internal injuries or other injuries following the most frightening crash in recent NASCAR memory.

According to Newman, he has spoken to Jack Roush, and has been reassured that the No. 6 Ford Mustang will be waiting for him when he is ready to return to racing. Ross Chastain will fill-in in the meantime, starting with this weekend at Las Vegas.

While no timeline for Newman’s return has been given still, Newmark states that Newman’s goal hasn’t changed, as he is still looking to capture the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship. That alone, would lead you to believe that Newman will return to the track sooner rather than later.

But we will await further updates from Newman and the team. According to Newmark, Newman is chomping at the bit to pick up a microphone to answer questions and address everything surrounding his condition and the crash.

Here is the full statement from Ryan Newman that Steve Newmark read on Sunday:

I’m sorry that I can’t be at the track in person but I asked Steve to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for all of the support that was shown last week to both me and my family.

The outpouring of emotion from not only the NASCAR community, but across the country, has been truly humbling. I want to personally thank everyone including the Man upstairs for their support, encouragement and the numerous offers of assistance.

We always say that the NASCAR community is one big family and never has that been more evident to me than after seeing this family rally together and provide the comfort and support that has been shown to my family and me over the past few days. The calls and visits from the NASCAR executives and my friends and competitors have been truly uplifting.

I want to thank everyone involved in my care especially the staff at Halifax Medical Center where I am convinced I received the best care available. I’m confident the efforts of each of these trained professionals played a major role in where I’m sitting today. And, to the entire NASCAR organization, led by Jim France, thanks for being by my side the entire time. You truly stepped up to support me unconditionally when it mattered most.

Most importantly, I have to thank the guys back at the Roush Fenway Racing shop that built me a car not only fast enough to leas the final seconds of the Daytona 500, but strong enough to do its job under great distress, allowing me to survive such an accident. I am truly indebted to each of you and it is unlikely I will ever be able to properly express to you how much the diligent effort with which you conduct your craftsmanship has affected me and my family. I hope you took pride in the photograph of me walking out of the hospital hand in hand with my daughters on Wednesday. Thank you. I can’t wait to get back in your race car.

Again – I want to thank each of you. From my partners, teammates and competitors and each and every fan across the country. Thank you for everyone for the the unparalleled concern and unwavering support. And to the media, who has acted with such respect and class during this time.

I’ve spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the #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.

Ryan Newman