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Ryan Newman’s wrecked Daytona 500 car: A haunting trophy of survival and engineering brilliance

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Ryan Newman’s wrecked Daytona 500 car: A haunting trophy of survival and engineering brilliance

May 13, 2023; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Ryan Newman looks at some data prior to Cup practice at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Newman’s wrecked Daytona 500 car: A haunting trophy of survival and engineering brilliance

In the high-octane world of NASCAR, few moments are etched into memory as vividly as Ryan Newman’s harrowing Daytona 500 crash in 2020. A wreck that saw Newman’s car hurtling into the wall at 190 miles per hour, flipping and igniting into a fiery spectacle, left fans, drivers, and commentators holding their breath. Miraculously, Newman survived the crash, and today, the remains of that destroyed race car stand as his most prized trophy—a symbol of survival, resilience, and engineering mastery.

“The best, worst day of my life”

Speaking to NBC almost five years after the crash, Newman reflected on the emotional weight the wrecked car holds for him. “This is what’s left of my best, worst day,” he said. “People ask me, why do you keep this car? It’s a trophy in my eyes. It’s a trophy of what I love, but it’s also a trophy of what saved my life.”

For Newman, the mangled car is more than just twisted metal; it’s a reminder of the sport’s unforgiving nature and the sacrifices made in the name of speed. Most importantly, it serves as a testament to the engineering brilliance that protected him during one of NASCAR’s darkest moments.

The crash that silenced Daytona

The 2020 Daytona 500 was shaping up to be a dramatic finale. On the final lap, Newman, running in second, battled fiercely with Ryan Blaney for the lead. As the two made contact, Newman’s car slammed into the wall, flipped, and collided with Corey Lajoie’s vehicle before screeching across the track engulfed in flames.

The sight was horrifying. As Denny Hamlin celebrated his victory, the crowd fell silent, anxiously awaiting updates on Newman’s condition. The veteran driver was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, including a brain bruise, and spent days in recovery.

Miraculously, Newman not only survived but was cleared to race again. Reflecting on the crash, he said, “In my mind, it still doesn’t exist. God deletes that chapter for a reason.”

A tribute to human ingenuity

Newman’s survival wasn’t just a miracle—it was a testament to the engineering and safety innovations in NASCAR. The car’s roll cage, designed to withstand catastrophic impacts, held together despite extensive damage. Newman has repeatedly credited the engineers and builders of the car for saving his life.

“The effort that goes into the human capital of people that build these race cars is amazing,” he said. “It takes times like this, this crash, to kind of see what worst-case scenario could look like.”

A career defined by resilience

Over his 20-year NASCAR career, Newman started 725 races, securing 18 wins, including the prestigious 2008 Daytona 500 and the 2013 Brickyard 400. Known for his aggressive racing style and unmatched consistency, Newman’s legacy is defined by both his achievements and his resilience.

Though he retired from full-time racing in 2021, Newman continues to make occasional appearances on the track. His Daytona crash and subsequent recovery, however, remain his most defining moment—not for the race he lost but for the life he regained.

A lasting legacy

Ryan Newman’s wrecked car isn’t just a trophy—it’s a story of survival, a tribute to NASCAR’s relentless pursuit of safety, and a poignant reminder of the risks that drivers face every time they step onto the track. For Newman, it represents life, love, and the second chance he’s been given to spend with his family.

“I’ll forever be grateful,” Newman said. “It’s a reminder that every lap and every moment counts.”

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