NASCAR driver Ryan Newman says he suffered a head injury during a crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 last week, but he did not disclose details other than doctors are pleased with his progress so far.
"I was fortunate to avoid any internal organ damage or broken bones. I did sustain a head injury for which I'm currently being treated," Newman wrote in a statement. "The doctors have been pleased with my progression over the last few days."
The NASCAR driver did not indicate a timetable on when he plans to return to NASCAR racing.
"I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the No. 6 car will be waiting and ready for my return," Newman said in his statement. "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel and battling for another race win in the Roush Fenway Ford."
Newman's ordeal began last week while he was leading the pack during the last lap of the rain-delayed Daytona 500, when he crashed into a wall with so much force, his vehicle briefly went airborne and was hit in the driver-side door by another car, trapping him inside his Ford. He was taken to a local hospital with serious, but not life-threatening condition. Newman was able to walk out of the Daytona Beach hospital 42 hours after his crash.
Roush team president Steve Newmark says Newman wants to be back behind the wheel before the race for the 2020 Cup championship this season. The driver plans to ask NASCAR for an exemption so he can qualify for the playoffs once he's medically cleared by doctors.
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