DAYTONA BEACH — Denny Hamlin won his second consecutive Daytona 500 and third overall Monday, edging Ryan Blaney in a photo finish with Ryan Blaney at Daytona International Speedway,
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) February 18, 2020
It was the second-closest finish in the history of the “Great American Race,” according to NASCAR.com. Hamlin’s 0.014 margin of victory over Ryan Blaney was the second closest in the race’s 62-year history, ESPN reported.
The race ended dramatically, as Ryan Newman crashed on the final lap, ESPN reported. Newman’s car flipped several times and crossed the finish line on its roof, engulfed in flames.
Newman, 42, was placed in a waiting ambulance and taken directly to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona. The damage to his Mustang was extensive; it appeared the entire roll cage designed to protect his head had caved. Newman is in serious condition, NASCAR said. His injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
"I think we take for granted sometimes how safe the cars are and No. 1, we are praying for Ryan,'' Hamlin said.
Both team owner Joe Gibbs and Hamlin apologized in the media center for celebrating while Newman was being tended to on the track. Each said he didn't know the extent of what happened.
“We really didn’t know,” Gibbs said. “We got in the winner’s circle and that’s when people told us.”
NASCAR gave no immediate announcement on Newman’s status and officials moved bystanders away from the crash scene.
Statement from Roush Fenway Racing:
"Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated his injuries are not life-threatening.
"We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and ask that you respect the privacy of Ryan and his family during this time.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Return to this story for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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