Ryan Newman, a seasoned NASCAR driver, is set to make his return to the sport at the Darlington Raceway. After a traumatic crash at the 2020 Daytona 500, Newman has made the decision to race on short tracks with RWR, citing safety concerns about the Next Gen Cup car.
In an interview, Newman expressed his concern about the safety of the car on big tracks, saying, “I don’t think the (Cup) car is as safe as it should be or as safe as they say it is on the big tracks, I don’t need to be a crash test dummy. I’ve already got two bars named after me. I don’t need a third.”
Newman’s experience in the 2020 Daytona 500 was harrowing, with his car overturning and flying airborne in the final lap. It took the trackside rescue team more than 15 minutes to get Newman out of the car. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital and placed in a medically induced coma after sustaining a brain bruise. It’s a miracle that he walked away from the crash with his life intact.
The traumatic incident has clearly had a significant impact on Newman’s perspective on racing. He believes that the slower speeds on short tracks make them a safer option. He also added, “I think you have to look at the advantages of being able to race and still have that level of competition and be able to do it in a safer way.”
Newman’s return to NASCAR at the Darlington Raceway is highly anticipated, and many fans are eager to see how he performs on a short track. However, it’s unlikely that he will add to his tally of 18 NASCAR Cup Series victories. His last win was in 2017, and he has not won a race since then. Despite this, his experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to the RWR team.
In conclusion, Ryan Newman’s shocking revelation about why he has chosen to race on short tracks highlights the importance of safety in NASCAR. His traumatic crash at the 2020 Daytona 500 was a wake-up call for the sport, and it’s heartening to see drivers like Newman taking proactive steps to prioritize their safety. As Newman prepares to return to racing, fans will be watching with bated breath, hoping for a safe and successful race.
