It’s been less than a week since Ryan Newman was released from the hospital following a horrible wreck on the last lap of the 2020 Daytona 500. But the NASCAR driver is already back to one of his favorite hobbies, fishing, and describing it as “therapy” for the head injury he sustained in the crash.
Martin Truex Jr. was one of several NASCAR drivers who spoke to Newman last week, and Truex even said he and his “fishing buddy” were already planning their next trip together.
Well, it looks like Newman didn’t wait for Truex because the 42-year-old Roush Fenway Racing driver tweeted a photo Tuesday morning of what appears to be his latest catch/therapy session from Monday.
Got a little therapy in yesterday. #outdoors #catchandrelease pic.twitter.com/0pitjh94f5
— Ryan Newman (@RyanJNewman) February 25, 2020
It’s not super surprising that Newman has already been fishing, but it’s good to see after such a scary wreck.
The No. 6 Ford driver was taken to the hospital last Monday night after the Daytona 500 crash — when his car turned, hit the wall, was slammed into by another oncoming car, landed upside down and slid off the race track — and by Wednesday afternoon, he was, miraculously, released from the hospital.
Although Newman was described as being in “serious condition” the night of the race, he didn’t suffer any internal organ damage or broken bones, according to a statement from the 19-season veteran, which was shared by Roush Fenway Racing president Steve Newmark ahead of NASCAR’s race Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The statement did note, however, that Newman is being treated for a head injury, but “doctors have been pleased with [his] progression over the last few days.”
Along with Truex, the team and several drivers said Newman’s “jovial” personality and sense of humor remain ever-present following last week’s wreck.
And because of that, they didn’t wait long to roast the driver, particularly about how having “no neck and a big hard head” helped protect him during the crash, as Truex jokingly put it.
Newman did not race Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the timeline for his return is unknown. But in his statement, he said:
“I can’t wait to get back in your race car. … I have spoken with Jack Roush and he has assured me that the No. 6 car will be waiting and ready for my return. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and battling for another race win in the Roush Fenway Ford.”
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