For several hours on Feb. 16, there was widespread concern Ryan Newman had died or experienced life-altering injury following his crash at the Daytona 500.
The NASCAR world waited for news on Newman’s condition from Halifax Medical Center fearing for the worst.
Newman made a surprisingly quick recovery without significant health repercussions, though, and was released from the hospital after two days. He soon turned his attention toward getting back to the track.
He made his return almost exactly three months later at Darlington in the Real Heroes 400 on Sunday, finishing in 15th place.
MORE: Jimmie Johnson mad at himself after Darlington crash
Newman said last week he doesn’t remember what happened at Daytona. When he watched a highlight of the crash, he struggled to believe it was real.
«I really don’t have any memories or recollection of any of my crash until I actually had my arms around my daughters walking out of the hospital,» Newman said at a news conference on Thursday.
He avoided trouble Sunday in a memorable first outing since his crash. While he faded from the top of the field as the race progressed, his presence brought widespread praise.
Here is a collection of reactions to Newman’s performance:
I know the criticisms of NASCAR. I know why people don’t like it. I didn’t for a long time. But damn…these guys have balls of steel. They’re putting their lives on the line every race. Look at Ryan Newman back out there racing after that crash. Crazy.
— Dennis (@DennisK9G) May 17, 2020
Not a NASCAR guy, but cool to see Ryan Newman back after that Daytona crash. That could have easily been his last race ever.
— BrianAnderson_904 Realtor (@Brian904Realtor) May 17, 2020
