LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas resident and NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughan is shaken after witnessing the crash involving his friend Ryan Newman at the Daytona 500 race in Florida.
Gaughan spoke with 13 Action News hours after the crash happened and he learned Newman was hospitalized in serious condition.
"[Ryan] Newman went right over me," Gaughan said. "I didn't know who it was, I just knew a race car went right over the top of me; literally went right over my head. I even ducked. It was that close."
Newman's car flipped before it slammed into the track during the race's final lap. His car burned as it skidded to a stop.
Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line.
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 18, 2020
We will continue to keep you updated on his status as we learn more. pic.twitter.com/qkEwQBpoP0
Safety crews rushed to extract the 42-year-old from the vehicle.
"It definitely hits home for me," Gaughan said. "With any luck, we're gonna hear Newman is holding his children within the next few hours, and that he's doing well. I always try to stay positive."
Gaughan didn't have much to say about his 7th place finish. Instead, he offered prayers, but called this crash a "worst-case scenario."
"The only dangerous thing is if you get hit on the top of the roof," Gaughan said. "That is the one part of our racecars that is not made for that sort of an impact. That is exactly where Newman got hit."
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 18, 2020
Gaughan says Newman will be on his mind as he heads to Las Vegas for Sunday's Pennzoil 400.
