Denny Hamlin has won the Daytona 500 for the second year in a row, beating out Ryan Blaney at the line by just 0.014 seconds.
As is always the case at the Daytona 500, it was a thrilling race and involved a number of serious crashes. One of these crashes took out 19 drivers with just 17 laps left to run in the race. However, it was a crash involving second-place Ryan Blaney and Ryan Newman that marred the finish.
Read Also: Donald Trump Takes Presidential Limo To The Track Before Daytona 500
Footage from the final lap shows Blaney attempt to overtake Newman for the lead of the race coming into the final turn. Blaney dived down to the inside of the track to try and make his way past but ended up hitting the rear of Newman, sending the 42-year-old’s car sideways and into the concrete barriers at high speed. The impact flipped Newman’s car onto its roof before the driver’s side of his car was hit at full force by the car of Corey LaJoie, flipping Newman’s car over once again before it slid across the finish lane with sparks flying.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
In the immediate aftermath of the race, Newman was rushed to the Halifax Medical Center. In a statement, NASCAR said he was in a serious condition but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life-threatening,” the statement reads. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
In winning his third Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin has joined an elite list of just six drivers to have won the race three or more times.
Scary finish at #DAYTONA500 when leader Ryan Newman flipped right before the finish. Denny Hamlin wins but all thoughts on Newman right now. pic.twitter.com/Fltj5w5d2g
— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) February 18, 2020
