The final lap of the Daytona 500 ended with a second consecutive win for driver Denny Hamlin and a dramatic crash involving Ryan Newman that left the NASCAR driver in 'serious condition,' but not life threatening condition.
Newman, 42, was hospitalized following a crash during the final lap of the Daytona 500, which was delayed from Sunday because of rain, in which his car could be seen flying through the air and flipping several times before ultimately catching fire.
According to a statement from NASCAR: "Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life threatening."
"We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time," the statement added. "We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available."
Newman was leading the pack in his No. 6 Ford Mustang during the race's final lap when another driver, Ryan Blaney, hooked the bumper of Newman's car, pushing him into the wall. The No. 6 Mustang flipped into the air before it collided with Corey LaJoie's car. Newman's Ford Mustang flipped several more times, landing on its roof as it slid off the track and onto pit road.
Rescue crews rushed to the stricken vehicle, and quickly worked to try and get Newman's car back on its wheels in order to get him out. He was taken directly to a local hospital in a waiting ambulance. Extensive damage to Newman's car was seen, including a roll cage designed to protect the driver's head that had completely caved in.
President Donald Trump, who served as the race's grand marshal, tweeted his support for Newman.
"Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan" Trump tweeted Monday.
Newman's career includes 18 NASCAR Cup race wins, including the 2008 Daytona 500. This is his second season driving for Roush Fenway Racing.
Hamlin won his second straight at Daytona, beating the second place finisher by 0.014 seconds. He's the first driver to win back-to-back at Daytona since Sterling Martin in 1995.
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