Ryan Newman hopes to return to NASCAR ‘as soon as possible,’ race team president says

Despite a frightening final-lap crash in the Daytona 500, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman still believes he can compete for a championship this season.

That word from Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Racing, who provided an update on the 42-year-old driver at a news conference Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

"We do not have a timetable for Ryan's return," Newmark said. "I can tell you that his timetable is that he wants to be back as soon as possible."

Newman was released from the hospital last Tuesday, less than 48 hours after his car crashed into the wall, flipped into the air and came to rest upside down and in flames.

Ryan Newman, shown with his daughters, Brooklyn Sage, left, and Ashlyn Olivia, at Halifax Medical Center, left the hospital two days after his frightening accident on the final lap of the Daytona 500. (Photo: Roush Racing via AP)

Newmark would not elaborate on Newman's injuries, saying the driver will provide updates on his condition when he has the opportunity.

"The minute Ryan is given the green light to be back at the track, even if it's not to race, he'll be back there.

The fact that Newman is even considering getting back into the driver's seat so soon after such a horrific crash "is a testament to the safety of these cars," Newmark added.

"Ryan's objectives have not changed this year. His goal is to win the 2020 Cup championship."

Ross Chastain was named the substitute driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the team announced Wednesday.

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