DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Fans gathered outside a Daytona Beach hospital Monday night, awaiting news on the condition of NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who was injured during a horrific final-lap crash at the Daytona 500 race.
Fans waited for updates outside Halifax Health Medical Center, which is just a few minutes away from the track, WFTV.com reported.
NASCAR tweeted around 10 p.m. that Newman was transported to the hospital and was in serious condition, but his injuries were not life-threatening.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
NASCAR statement on Ryan Newman condition just now. #Daytona500. Serious condition but non-life threatening. pic.twitter.com/nCR5vWwCcE
— Dan Lucas (@WFLADan) February 18, 2020
One person said he witnessed Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s fatal, final-lap crash during the Daytona 500 in 2001, and was hoping for a different outcome for Newman.
After news broke that Newman was expected to live, fans rejoiced, WFTV reported.
Fans, celebrities and fellow racers also took to social media to express their well-wishes to Newman.
Denny Hamlin wishes Ryan Newman well in his recovery. pic.twitter.com/WAymXkKOcK
— ESPN (@espn) February 18, 2020
Big prayers for Newman
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 18, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with @LifeAtPurdue grad @RyanJNewman.
— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) February 18, 2020
Thinking about and praying hard for Ryan Newman and his family right now...
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) February 18, 2020
Say a prayer for Ryan Newman... truly terrible... #DAYTONA500 https://t.co/BPSvBeYj6L
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) February 18, 2020
