2/19 10:47 AM PT -- EVEN MORE GREAT NEWS!!! Newman was just officially released from the hospital and walked out of the building with his 2 daughters by his side! Amazing!!!
2/19 -- MORE GREAT NEWS -- here's a pic of Ryan Newman SMILING with his daughters in his hospital room ... proof he continues to make great progress in his recovery after that scary Daytona 500 crash.
Also worth noting ... Newman appears to be STANDING in the photo -- which is another great sign.
"Ryan Newman continues to show great improvement after Monday night's last-lap accident at Daytona International Speedway," Roush Fenway Racing says.
"The veteran driver is fully alert and walking around Halifax Medical Center. True to his jovial nature, he has also been joking around with staff, friends and family while spending time playing with his two daughters."
2/18 12:55 PM PT -- 2/18 -- Great news about the health of Ryan Newman -- he's awake and talking, his racing team confirms.
Roush Fenway Racing says, "Ryan Newman remains under the care of doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is awake and speaking with family and doctors."
"Ryan and his family have expressed their appreciation for the concern and heartfelt messages from across the country."
"They are grateful for the unwavering support of the NASCAR community and beyond."
7:15 PM PT -- President Trump -- who was at the Daytona 500 on Sunday -- just tweeted support for the NASCAR driver, saying ... "Praying for Ryan Newman, a great driver and a brave @NASCAR driver! #PrayingForRyan"
7:06 PM PT -- NASCAR just announced Newman is in "serious condition" ... but noted doctors say his injuries are "non-life threatening."
NASCAR driver Ryan Newman is in a Florida hospital after his car wrecked in a super-scary crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 ... and video from the crash is INSANE.
Scary finish at #DAYTONA500 when leader Ryan Newman flipped right before the finish. Denny Hamlin wins but all thoughts on Newman right now. pic.twitter.com/Fltj5w5d2g
— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) February 18, 2020
As you can see ... Newman's car flips several times as it hurtles through the air, eventually catching fire, spinning onto the infield and crossing the finish line on its roof. Somewhat surprisingly, no other drivers were injured in the crash.
Newman was rushed to a local hospital ... but his current condition remains unclear.
It's pretty crazy ... Ryan was trying to hold on to the lead when his car was nudged by Ryan Blaney and hit the wall on the final lap of the weather-delayed race
Denny Hamlin ended up winning the first race of the NASCAR season, while Newman was credited with a fourth-place finish.
Originally Published -- 2/17 5:38 PM PT