Driver Ryan Newman is hospitalized in serious condition after SURVIVING horrifying 195mph Daytona 500 crash as Trump leads prayers and winning team owner apologizes for celebrating victory as medics worked the scene

  • Race car driver Ryan Newman is in a serious condition in hospital following horror smash at Daytona 500 
  • Newman's car was nudged up against a wall before it flipped, was struck again, caught fire and landed on its roof 
  • Medics eventually cut Newman from the smoking wreck as thousands of horrified racegoers watched on 
  • Denny Hamlin went on to win the race for the second consecutive season, but the victory was overshadowed by the crash 
  • President Trump tweeted that he was praying for Newman, describing the famous racer as 'great and brave' 
  • Newman, who is a father of two, announced last week that he had separated from his wife of 16 years 

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President Trump is 'praying' for Ryan Newman, who is in a serious condition in hospital following a fiery crash during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday night. 

Newman, who was leading the famous race in his No. 6 Ford Mustang, was zooming around the speedway at 195 miles per hour when the smash happened. 

'Praying for Ryan Newman, a great and brave @NASCAR driver,' the Commander-in-chief tweeted out, just two days after his own highly-publicized visit to the raceway.  

The incident occurred when Newman's car was nudged up against a wall and flipped over just meters from the finish line. 

As Newman's Mustang fell back onto the raceway, it was struck by a trailing car which prompted it to flip into the air again.  

Thousands of stunned spectators watched on in disbelief as the vehicle eventually landed on its roof after catching fire and rolling for several meters. 

Medics and Daytona officials ran out onto the speedway to cut Newman from the smoking wreck. 

Several hours later, NASCAR released a statement, saying: '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.'

Race car driver Ryan Newman has been rushed to hospital following a horrifying crash that occurred during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday night. His car is pictured in mid-air

Scores of medics and Daytona officials rushed out onto the speedway to cut Newman from the wreckage

Scores of medics and Daytona officials rushed out onto the speedway to cut Newman from the wreckage 

Newman's condition is currently unknown. He is pictured ahead on Monday, prior to the race

Newman's condition is currently unknown. He is pictured ahead on Monday, prior to the race 

Denny Hamlin went on to win the race in his No 11. Toyota Camry for the second consecutive season, prompting NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs to wildly celebrate at the finish line. 

However, Gibbs has now apologized for gloating about the victory, saying he was unaware of how serious Newman's accident actually was. 

'We really didn't know, we got in the winner's circle and that's when people told us,' he told assembled press later in the evening. 

Meanwhile, Hemlin appeared somber following his victory, telling assembled press: 'I think we take for granted sometimes how safe the cars are and number one, we are praying for Ryan'.  

How it all unfolded: Newman's car was nudged up against a wall at high speeds, causing it to flip over

How it all unfolded: Newman's car was nudged up against a wall at high speeds, causing it to flip over 

After Newman's vehicle  landed after flipping the first time, it was then struck directly by No. 32 - driven by Corey LaJoie

After Newman's vehicle  landed after flipping the first time, it was then struck directly by No. 32 - driven by Corey LaJoie

The two vehicles were seriously damaged in the collision, before Newman's Mustang was raised up into the air

The two vehicles were seriously damaged in the collision, before Newman's Mustang was raised up into the air

Newman's car flew meters into the air after being struck at high speed

Newman's car flew meters into the air after being struck at high speed 

Spectators are seen looking on in horror at the collision

Spectators are seen looking on in horror at the collision 

The fiery wreckage is seen sliding along the speedway

The fiery wreckage is seen sliding along the speedway 

Newman was trapped in the smoking wreckage and has to be cut from the vehicle

Newman was trapped in the smoking wreckage and has to be cut from the vehicle 

'It's a weird balance of excitement and happiness for yourself, but someone's health and their family is bigger than any win in any sport. We are just hoping for the best.'

Newman, who is nicknamed 'Rocket Man', is father to two young daughters, who at his side in the moments before Sunday's race began, only to be delayed a day by rain.

Other drivers were also stricken with concern in the aftermath of the smash, including a rattled Corey LaJoie -  the driver who hit Newman's car as it was flipping.

'Dang I hope Newman is ok,' he posted on Twitter. 'That is worst case scenario and I had nowhere to go but (into) smoke.'

Denny Hamlin went on to win the race in his No 11. Toyota Camry for the second consecutive season (pictured) , prompting NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs to wildly celebrate at the finish line

Denny Hamlin went on to win the race in his No 11. Toyota Camry for the second consecutive season (pictured) , prompting NASCAR owner Joe Gibbs to wildly celebrate at the finish line

Team owner Joe Gibbs (left) is pictured with Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin (right) following the race. Gibbs apologized for celebrating the victory as Newman was rushed off to hospital

Team owner Joe Gibbs (left) is pictured with Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin (right) following the race. Gibbs apologized for celebrating the victory as Newman was rushed off to hospital 

It wasn't the first crash like this for Newman at Daytona or at another superspeedway, the Talladega track in Alabama. His car went airborne and flipped repeatedly in the 2003 Daytona 500. He landed on his roof in that one and did again at Talladega in 2009.

He's been a harsh critic of NASCAR's struggles to keep cars on the ground, even getting fined for public comments the sanctioning body considered negative. In 2010, he said fans shouldn't even go to the track to see races at Talladega.

The Indiana native, who graduated with an engineering degree from Purdue, said earlier during Speedweeks he felt renewed in his second year at Roush Fenway Racing. 

Newman, who is nicknamed 'Rocket Man', is father to two young daughters, who frequently watch him on from the sidelines of the race track. They are pictured in 2016

Newman, who is nicknamed 'Rocket Man', is father to two young daughters, who frequently watch him on from the sidelines of the race track. They are pictured in 2016 

'It's all about competitiveness and fun,' he said. 'I want to have fun with my life. If I can have fun in this garage doing it and get paid what I feel like I deserve to get paid, then I'm all for it. It's got to be fun and it's got be rewarding in more ways than one.

'I'm doing it past when I said I was going to do it 10 years ago. I don't know how to give the answer anymore, I really don't. I always said 40 and I'm 42 now.'

Newman also announced last week he and his wife had split after 16 years of marriage.

'I feel just renewed in general, the team, the people, the opportunities, the sponsors,' he said. 'All that makes a big difference to me. We've got to perform better. Just because we performed better than they had done in the past doesn't mean it's up to my standards and my goals.

'I feel like we need to step it up and that's a big part of me wanting to continue doing what I'm doing.'

Newman announced last week he and his wife, Krissie,  had split after 16 years of marriage

Newman announced last week he and his wife, Krissie,  had split after 16 years of marriage

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