NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie describes crashing into Ryan Newman in final lap of Daytona 500, sending him spinning into a 'very scary' fiery wreck', and says 'no one knows how fast 200mph is' as Newman recovers in the hospital

NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie, who hit Ryan Newman's car during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday and sent him spinning into a fiery wreck, has recalled the horrifying impact and said he did not know who he'd hit because he was going so fast.

Newman remains in the hospital in a serious condition. According to a NASCAR statement released on Monday night, he is expected to make a full recovery.

He was leading the famous race in his No. 6 Ford Mustang when he first hit the wall at 195 miles per hour.

It sent his car spinning backwards and LaJoie, who was driving behind him, then crashed into the driver's side of Newman's vehicle.

Newman's Mustang flipped multiple times and began spitting out flames. He was pulled from the wreckage in front of nervous crowds afterwards and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

President Trump tweeted on Monday night that he was 'praying' for the 42-year-old driver.

On Tuesday morning during an interview with Good Morning America, LaJoie said he it was 'very scary' what had happened.

Very possible but since it is allowed and at 200 mph only the guy doing the bumping knows for sure. The earlier wreck that took out many cars including J. Johnson was caused by the same maneuver.Last year the same thing happened that took out a lot of cars so its known by the drivers what can happen when you stay on the bumper and cause the side push. Like I said, NASCAR wants this otherwise they would stop it.

You’re right, of course, the difference in velocities between them was the real factor, as well as the friction of the 6 car’s roof not offering much resistance to LaJoie’s car during and after impact.

Some of that energy was taken up by the parts of CLJ’s car instead, which is what I saw on the race replay as his hood crumpled into the 6.

But upside down, once the energy had been transferred back into velocity, the 6 car was more pushed like a hockey puck then until it came to a stop.

I’ve grown accustomed to watching The Big Ones that take out 20-30% of the field, where they all get out and walk to the mandatory post-crash ambulance ride and then give interviews after being released from the care center as though nothing had happened.

That is the legacy of Dale Earnhardt and his parting gift to racing.

At the end of the stages and the race, they make it look like they’re at a short track instead of a 200 mph super speedway.

Everyone wanted and even needed that win. Ryan Newman was racing hard to keep his position and end a long winless streak by winning the Daytona 500!

I hope he can try that again soon, if he wants to and all thanks to God!

To be sure, the car tech is impressive, but I’m giving God ALL the Glory for that one.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.