Blaney shares heartfelt note after an emotional and nervous week following the big Daytona 500 crash
On Monday, Ryan Newman and Ryan Blaney were racing for the win in the biggest NASCAR race of the year. Newman threw a block and it ended with Newman being turned into the outside wall.
As Newman flipped, he was struck by Corey LaJoie at 200mph. Newman was transported from the track to a local hospital. He was released earlier in the week but will not return to the car this weekend.
After the race, Blaney showed genuine concern for the fellow racer in the TV interview.
“It looked pretty bad. I was trying to push him to the win. I don’t like saying that things just happen because I feel really bad about it. It was a close one. I just hope Ryan is all right,” Blaney stated on Monday.
This week, many in the racing community were a bit shaken up as it was a reminder just how dangerous the sport can be. Since Newman has exited the hospital, he and Blaney have spoken…
Related: Ryan Newman crash (Video)
Ryan Blaney has spoken to Ryan Newman after the Daytona crash
“I don’t think you will ever see someone as tough as Ryan Newman, to see him walk out of that hospital with his girls brought a tear to my eye,” Ryan Blaney opened in a statement via social media.
“I was lucky enough to speak with him last night briefly about what happened Monday. It was good to hear his voice to be honest.”
“His Ryan Newman humor was at large and brought a smile to my face. The recovery has has made the past few days have been remarkable. I look forward to seeing him soon to talk about it more.”
“We are all competitors racing for wins every weekend but at the same time are one big family and you never want to see family get hurt.”
“Have been replaying the event in my head over and over about what I could’ve done differently ever since. I’m very lucky to have a great family, friends, team and incredible fans that have helped me out of this week. I can’t thank everyone enough for that.”
“I can’t wait to have Rocketman Ryan Newman back at the track, racing as hard as ever,” Blaney concluded.
Bubba Wallace comforts Ryan Blaney
One of those friends that had Blaney’s back was of course Bubba Wallace. The driver explained some of the communication throughout the week.
“Got to spend some time with YRB yesterday. He’s holding up, of course devastated and bummed about the situation. Had to sit there and explain to him, could’ve happened to him or any of us in the field. It’s RACING.”
“Just unfortunate to be on either end of it,” Bubba Wallace said earlier in the week.”
“We of course “next day quarterbacked” it and looked at the what ifs but there are only 40 of us that truly understand the intense spur of the moments this sport throws at us. I know Ford should be proud to have him under their banner because he was so content.”
“On pushing his Ford teammate to win the biggest race of the year. Which makes it worse bc a simple selfless gesture went south in the blink of an eye.”
Wallace concluded, “I encouraged him to stay off social media for a bit. His head is in a decent spot. Keep sending my little brother some love!”
More
Corey Lajoie shares a conversation he had with Ryan Newman
Corey LaJoie kneeled beside his car after the impact with Newman (Photo)
Ross Chastain to fill the No. 6 as Newman is out due to injury
Medical updates on Ryan Newman
NASCAR community reacts to the Newman crash
Ryan Newman comments after his return to dirt racing
Links
Ryan Newman | Roush Fenway Racing | Ryan Blaney | Corey LaJoie | Denny Hamlin | Daytona International Speedway
