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Ryan Newman has been released from hospital following his violent crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.
Roush Fenway Racing driver Newman was battling for the lead of the race on the final lap and was being pushed to the line by fellow Ford driver Ryan Blaney.
After spinning from contact from the Penske driver, Newman spun and became airborne and while in the air his Ford Mustang was struck by the Go Fas Racing entry of Corey LaJoie just before the finish line.
After being cut from his car, Newman was taken directly from the track to nearby Halifax Medical Center.
On Wednesday Roush Fenway released a statement confirming that Newman was awake and walking around.
“Ryan Newman continues to show great improvement after Monday night’s last-lap accident at Daytona International Speedway. The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center.
“True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends, and family while spending time with his two daughters.
“Ryan continues to express his appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the country, and he and his family are grateful for the immense level of support that has been provided by the NASCAR community and beyond.”
Two hours later the team posted a picture on social media showing Newman walking out of hospital with his two young daughters, and confirmed that he had indeed been discharged.
The true extent of Newman’s injuries remain unclear. Roush Fenway Racing has also yet to confirm when he will return to the car. Ross Chastain will stand in for the next round this weekend at Las Vegas.
Newman, an 18-time winner in the Cup series, is in his 19th full season in NASCAR’s premier division and his second with Roush.
His best season to date was the 2003 campaign, his second full season, where he won a season-high eight races and eventually finished sixth in the standings. Matt Kenseth won that year’s title with just one win to his name, a result that effectively led to the adoption of the playoff format.
He won the 2008 Daytona 500 driving for Penske, delivering the famed team’s first victory in the event with help from a push from team mate Kurt Busch.
