NASCAR Tough Guys

[Black 03 Z06]

I think everyone has by now seen the horrendous wreck that Ryan Newman suffered on the last lap of the 2020 Daytona 500.

It was announced today that Ryan walked out of the hospital accompanied by his daughters under his own power. This says so much about the structure of the cars and the physical condition of the drivers.

If I had to guess earlier in the week the only walking would have been pallbearers. The wreck was that significant.

So here is picture of another tough guy from NASCAR, the late great Dale Earnhardt Senior. His car off the track at Richmond and at risk of going a lap down Earnhardt could not see because of the mud tossed up. His crew chief told him not to pit, Dale could not see anything. Always inventive this is what he decided to do to overcome his problem.

NASCAR tough guys indeed. Rest in Peace Dale, Ryan take care of yourself.

 

[G-ForceJunkie]

Newman's crash was terrifying. Like you, I didn't think he was going to make it. I was happy just to find out he was alive. The fact he walked out of the hospital today is incredible.

 

[EJChevy]

The safety built into modern race cars is truly incredible. I've watched many horrific crashes where the driver was able to walk away.

Driving a professional race car at 200+mph is far safer than doing 100kmph on a public highway.

 

[Cariboocreek]

The safety built into modern race cars is truly incredible. I've watched many horrific crashes where the driver was able to walk away.

Driving a professional race car at 200+mph is far safer than doing 100kmph on a public highway.

That’s why I do 140....

 

[YFCvii]

... Newman ... ...
thankful, relieved and hopeful that he may soon be able to play on ...


Witnessing the event live, immediately took me back to Feb 18 2001 ...
and it's very likely, the safety changes from that day ...
may have had a simialr result for Dale back then ...

 

[Rruuff Day]

Driving 100kph on a public highway is Alberta means something is wrong with your car..110 holds up traffic. 120 is slow... 130 is passable, 140 keeps you in the mix..

130kph on the 401 is passable.... 120 gets you the horn,.... 110 gets you the horn and the finger, 100 gets you the horn, the finger and screamed at out the window...less than 100 gets you shot at.

 

[nascar03]

Years ago Ryan had suggested a few revisions to the rollcage.
Those changes were implemented at the time and most believe these may have saved him in this latest crash.
IRONMAN ROCKETMAN. All the best Ryan.

graham

 

[AxeZ06]

Very good to see newman alive, walking and being with his girls.
I was screaming "NOOOOO" at the tv when his car came to a stop with all that fluid leaking, inches away from open flames.
The safety precaution folks deserve a ton of credit. To be able to build a car that can take a whack like that, and have the driver survive is...remarkable!

As for playing turtle on the 401.....this is what they do......