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The Crash That Nearly Killed Ryan Newman and Erased His Memory

The 2020 Daytona 500 took an unexpected and terrifying turn when the crash that nearly killed Ryan Newman shocked fans. In the final lap, Newman was seconds away from victory when disaster struck. What happened next was so horrific, it wiped out his memory of the entire race. This moment changed Ryan’s life forever, but it also sparked a journey of recovery and reflection that led him to see the world – and racing – in a whole new light.

Ryan Newman’s Unforgettable Daytona 500 Crash

The 2020 Daytona 500 will forever be remembered not for its winner, but for the terrifying crash involving Ryan Newman on the final lap. Heading into the race’s dramatic conclusion, Newman found himself in prime position to secure victory. With only a few hundred yards separating him from the checkered flag, Newman, aided by Ryan Blaney’s draft, overtook Denny Hamlin to claim the lead.

However, in a matter of seconds, triumph turned to catastrophe. Blaney’s car inadvertently bumped the rear of Newman’s No. 6 Ford, causing it to spin out of control. The car slammed into the wall, flipped over, and was struck on the driver’s side by Corey Lajoie’s vehicle. Lajoie later described the unavoidable collision, saying, “I didn’t even know who I hit. Nobody realizes how fast 200 m.p.h. is or how uncontrollable these cars are when they get out of shape.”

As flames and sparks erupted from Newman’s car, he skidded across the finish line in ninth place. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, extinguishing the fire and working to free Newman from the wreckage. His vehicle, now an unrecognizable heap of metal, required its roof to be cut off for the extraction process to begin. Screens were used to shield the crowd from the severity of the scene as Newman was loaded onto a stretcher and transported to Halifax Medical Center.

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Moment Ryan Newman’s Crash Erased His Memory

For many drivers, a racing weekend is a blur of adrenaline, focus, and competition. But for Ryan Newman, an unforgettable crash left memories wiped clean from his mind. “I don’t remember much from that weekend,” Newman shares, “just that morning a little bit. But from the moment the green flag dropped until I walked out of the hospital, it’s all gone.” Despite his vivid memories of countless other races, that particular crash remains a blank space in his mind, a piece of his life erased.

Ryan Newman, who later visited the hospital to learn more about the incident, was shocked to discover that he had been rebellious during his recovery. “I didn’t know at the time, but I walked out in my socks, holding my daughters’ hands,” he recalls, still grateful for the care of the medical team that helped him during that difficult time.

Reflecting on the support he received, Newman expresses deep gratitude for the people who helped him recover. “What I had could have easily been taken away,” he says. The crash forced him to see the impact of his racing career from a new perspective. “I don’t follow social media much, but after the crash, I realized how connected I was to people. It’s incredible how much impact you can have just by doing something you love.”

Ryan Newman’s Family’s Fear and Faith

“I just stood there thinking, ‘Please God, please help him. You can’t take my son,” his mother said.

Newman woke up in a medically induced coma. He had a bruise to his brain, but he was alive. Miraculously, he left the hospital just two days later, holding the hands of his two daughters. For them, it was a day of joy.

“They were extremely happy daddy was okay,” Newman reflected. “But I think it meant more to me that I had a hand on both of them and was still there.”

Newman’s daughter gave him words that would stick with him forever: “Daddy, you gotta keep living so we can spend time together.” To Newman, that was the greatest gift—his daughters’ love and a chance to keep going.

As Newman returns to the Daytona 500, he carries a lot with him: excitement, appreciation, and gratitude. But he doesn’t carry fear or memories of that horrible crash. “People ask me, ‘Why do you get back in a race car?’” Newman explained. “My daughters want me to do what I love. They know the risks, but they want me to be happy.”

Even after everything he’s been through, Newman doesn’t live in fear. He accepts that whatever happens, happens. If the crash had been worse, he says he wouldn’t have been bitter—he was doing what he loved.

“I believe it was thanks to somebody from above,” Newman said. “It’s a miracle that God saved me. I’m lucky to be alive.”

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Ryan Newman Realized What Truly Matters

What followed in the aftermath of the crash was a shift in priorities. “Being part of my daughters’ lives is the most important thing to me,” Newman shares. “My family is my top priority now.” Though he had once poured his energy into racing, now it was all about ensuring his children had what they needed: packed lunches, support, and a sense of normalcy in their busy lives. “It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it.”

He reflects on the life-changing crash, acknowledging the twist of fate that kept him alive. “The car could have taken my life, but it also saved it,” Newman says, staring at the now-damaged race car. “It’s junk now, but it’s special to me because it played a huge role in my career. It wasn’t the highlight, but I was lucky in so many ways that day.”

Becoming a father has added a layer of meaning to Newman’s life that racing could never provide. “Nothing will ever top being a dad,” he says with pride. “It’s pretty special to know what I went through and be able to appreciate the little things, like making school lunches.” The memory of the crash may be gone, but his role as a father is now at the center of everything.

Newman’s family was by his side during his first race back, and he couldn’t be more grateful. “They were with me in Pensacola for my first race back, and it felt so special. It’s a reset for sure, but I’m happy to be here, doing what I love while being there for my daughters at their events too—whether it’s their dances, races, or horse shows.”

His journey is far from over, and as a father, he continues to balance the high-speed world of racing with the quiet moments of being there for his kids. “I’m happy and proud to be here to talk about it all.”

The Evolution of NASCAR Safety

Newman’s crash occurred two decades after Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s fatal accident at the 2001 Daytona 500, which was a pivotal moment in NASCAR safety. Earnhardt’s death led to significant advancements, including the mandatory use of HANS (Head and Neck Support) devices, SAFER barriers, and improved car designs. Newman’s incident, while less tragic, has similarly prompted NASCAR to revisit and refine its safety protocols.

Daytona International Speedway employs a team of 200 first responders trained to handle high-speed accidents like Newman’s. Their coordinated efforts saved his life, but Newman believes there’s always room for improvement. His crash highlighted vulnerabilities in the vehicle’s structure and the rescue process, prompting NASCAR to investigate and implement changes.

Newman’s advocacy extends beyond his own experience. He frequently studies crashes involving other drivers to identify areas for improvement. His relentless pursuit of safety stems from personal loss; he has seen friends like Kenny Irwin Jr., Adam Petty, and Tony Roper lose their lives in racing accidents

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News In Brief: Crash That Nearly Killed Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman’s near-fatal Daytona 500 crash changed his life, erasing memories of the race but bringing a deeper appreciation for family and life. Surviving the crash was a miracle, and his daughters’ love and support became his greatest motivation. Newman now prioritizes family, reflecting on the impact of the crash and advocating for NASCAR’s safety improvements. His journey serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Newman’s return to racing shows his commitment to doing what he loves while being there for his family.

ALSO READ: Jeff Gordon’s Explosive Clash With Ryan Newman Over Chase Elliott’S Stolen Victory

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