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Who is Ryan Newman? A look at a successful NASCAR career

Ryan Newman has led a successful NASCAR career spanning decades.

Here’s a look at his highlights.

He’s a champion

Newman won the Daytona 500 in 2008, and has almost 20 career Cup Series victories.

In addition to that win, Newman has 10 other top 10 finishes at Daytona.

Read: ‘We’re praying for him’: Fans gather outside hospital following Ryan Newman’s crash during Daytona 500

He’s a veteran

Monday’s Daytona 500, which ended in a terrible crash that sent Newman to the hospital, was his 37th time racing at Daytona in a cup car. He’s also well-versed in driving at the super speedways.

He started young

Newman, 42, burst onto the scene two decades ago, when he was 22. He set a rookie record with six pole wins, earning the nickname “Rocket Man.”

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He’s smart

Newman holds an engineering degree from Purdue University.

He’s a family man

Newman is a husband and father of two young girls, Brooklyn and Ashlyn.

Shortly after the wreck, Newman’s wife Krissie Newman tweeted “omg.”

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.