Ryan Newman is “fully alert” in the hospital, moving around the room, and joking with family, according to a statement from Roush Fenway Racing.
Newman was hospitalized following a terrifying wreck on the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday, in which his car flipped over, slid down the track, and was hit by a second car.
Newman was transported to the hospital, where he was listed in serious condition. On Wednesday afternoon, the news finally came out that he was conscious and alert.
His team also shared a photo of Newman smiling with his two daughters. It’s a welcome bit of news for the NASCAR community.
Newman crashed when he was bumped by fellow Ford driver Ryan Blaney, who made clear after the race he was trying to help push him to victory.
[UPDATE]: Newman has been released from the hospital.
Other NASCAR drivers were relieved to hear the news:
