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Ryan Newman making great improvement, takes photo with daughters

Ryan Newman NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is up and walking around, according to a statement by his racing team Wednesday. (Roush Fenway)
(Roush Fenway)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR driver Ryan Newman continues to make great improvement in the days following his horrific crash during the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Roush Fenway Racing shared an update on his recovery and posted a photo of the driver with his two daughters at the hospital.

Newman was battling for the lead on the final lap with winner Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney when he crashed. Newman’s No. 6 Ford went up into the air and flipped several times.

He was taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach as the racing world and crowd at Daytona International Speedway waited for updates.

NASCAR released a statement late Monday night saying Newman was in serious condition, but his doctors said his injuries were not life-threatening.

The new statement Wednesday from Roush Fenway says Newman is alert and has been joking around with family, friends and the hospital staff.

It is unclear when Newman will get back to racing, but Atlanta Motor Speedway will host a race next month on March 15.

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