Ryan Newman Gets Standing Ovation As He Makes His First Return

Just nine days after his horrific crash in the final lap of the Daytona 500, 42-year-old NASCAR driver Ryan Newman made his first return to the Roush Fenway Racing organization today. He could not have received a warmer welcome.

Newman Receives Warm Welcome

MyFox8 reported that Newman received a standing ovation when he arrived at his team’s shop this morning. He embraced the love and took photos with members of his team as they showed him just how happy they are that he’s back on his feet.

So we had a special visitor today. Great to see @RyanJNewman back at the shop and receiving a standing ovation by all! #RFRDriven ?? pic.twitter.com/e4J6OShWJK

— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 26, 2020

Steve Newmark, the president of Roush Fenway Racing, made sure to say that, “We don’t have a timetable for Ryan’s return.” And that Newman “has some other hoops he needs to jump through.” While Newman has no internal injuries, his team said that he getting treatment for a head injury.

“Just a good day,” Newmark tweeted alongside the latest photos of Newman.

Just a good day. https://t.co/sPZD14YJfV

— Steve Newmark (@NewmarkRFR) February 26, 2020

Newman’s Horrific Crash

Newman was in the lead on the final lap of the Daytona 500 race when “Ryan Blaney’s bumper caught the back of his Ford and sent Newman hard right into the wall.” The car then flipped over and rolled before being hit on the driver’s side. Then it skidded across the finish line. By that time, it was engulfed in flames, and fans feared the worst.

Newman was rushed to Halifax Medical Center, where his injuries were confirmed to be life-threatening hours later. Just two days after the crash, Newman was able to walk out of the hospital and go home to his family.

Ryan Newman has been treated and released from Halifax Medical Center pic.twitter.com/J0twhGgQm7

— Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020

“We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time,” the team said in a statement.

Newman did thank people both in and outside the NASCAR community for being so supportive. And, he says doctors “have been pleased with my progression over the last few days” regarding his head injury.

BACKSTORY: Ryan Newman’s Wife Krissie Shares Personal Video That Has NASCAR Fans Hoping The Pair Reconcile

Newman Tweets Fishing Photo

Yesterday, Newman himself took to Twitter to indicate that he was back to his normal routine by posting a photo of himself fishing.

“Got a little therapy in yesterday #greatoutdoors #catchandrelease,” he wrote alongside it.

Got a little therapy in yesterday. #outdoors #catchandrelease pic.twitter.com/0pitjh94f5

— Ryan Newman (@RyanJNewman) February 25, 2020

Newman’s crash was absolutely terrifying to watch. It’s a huge relief to see him back on his feet and in good spirits. We hope he takes his time with his recovery and spends time with his family, but we also can’t wait to see him back on the racetrack!

God bless you, Ryan Newman!