Nascar driver Ryan Newman has been hospitalised after a terrifying crash at the Daytona 500.
The American - who competes for Roush Fenway Racing - was narrowly leading the gruelling, season-opening race on its 209th and final lap in Florida when, coming into the final turn, his Ford was inadvertently nudged by Ryan Blaney, slammed into the wall and flipped upside down before being hit by Corey LaJoie.
That second impact sent the Mustang flying high into the air and it landed on its roof before skidding on its side for a considerable distance while engulfed in flames.
Track workers and emergency services were quickly on the scene and Newman was transferred from the wreck to a waiting ambulance and taken to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.
Roush Fenway Racing later released a statement to confirm that the 42-year-old's injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
“Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center," the team statement read. "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.
"We appreciate your patience and cooperation and we will provide more information as it becomes available."
The Daytona 500 - attended by President Donald Trump, who took a ceremonial pre-race lap of the two-and-a-half mile track in his presidential limousine - was eventually won again by Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing, who sealed his third victory and second in succession ahead of Blaney in a photo finish in overtime.
The race initially started on Sunday, only to be postponed until Monday after 20 laps due to rain.
