LAS VEGAS — Roush Fenway Racing President Steve Newmark addressed the media Sunday morning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway regarding Ryan Newman’s status following his crash on the final lap of last Monday’s Daytona 500.
Newmark started the press conference by reading a personal statement from Newman. In his statement, Newman covered a variety of topics, including his gratitude toward the Halifax Medical Center staff, the NASCAR community and his appreciation for the safety features of the No. 6 Ford Mustang involved in the crash.
Newman indicated he suffered a head injury in the crash and continues to undergo treatment, also indicating he did not suffer any broken bones or internal organ damage.
MORE: Full Ryan Newman statement
As for Newman’s return, Newmark revealed there is no timetable at this point, but Newman is ready to get back into competition quickly — and that his goals have not changed.
“I can tell you what his timetable would like to be, which is as soon as possible, but there are some other hoops he’s got to jump through before that happens,” Newmark said. “Right now, we’re just taking it one step at a time. … He has expressed unequivocally that this is where he wants to be and he wants to be back in a race car.”
“Ryan’s objectives have not changed this year,” Newmark added. “His goal is to win the 2020 Cup championship.”
Ross Chastain begins his substitution role with Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Newmark said the initial conversations about a substitute driver did not go into motion until Tuesday morning after learning Newman’s condition was non-life-threatening. The first call made was to Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, and Chevrolet Vice President Jim Campbell to seek approval for Chastain to race the No. 6 Ford Mustang.
MORE: Ross Chastain to pilot No. 6 for Ryan Newman
“Our arrangement with Ross is that if we need him, he should be available,” Newmark said.
Newmark also noted Newman has been involved with the No. 6 team remotely this weekend, communicating with them and watching practice.
“Ryan has already been involved,” Newmark said. “He’s been on the phone with (crew chief) Scott Graves and Ross. He is still very active and involved in the direction of the team.”