For many NASCAR drivers, the cars they race become symbols of triumph and determination. For Ryan Newman, the car he crashed in the 2020 Daytona 500 holds an even deeper significance. Despite the harrowing accident that left fans across the world fearing for his life, Newman has chosen to keep the mangled car—a powerful reminder of the things he loves and the safety innovations that saved his life.
The Crash That Stunned NASCAR
The 2020 Daytona 500 will forever be remembered for its dramatic and terrifying conclusion. On the final lap of the “Great American Race,” Newman was leading the field when his No. 6 Ford was clipped from behind, sending it spinning into the wall before flipping and being struck mid-air by another car. The violent crash left the racing world holding its breath as Newman was rushed to the hospital.
Miraculously, just 48 hours later, Newman walked out of the hospital hand-in-hand with his daughters, a testament to his resilience and the advancements in NASCAR safety technology.
A Powerful Keepsake
Instead of discarding the wrecked car, Newman decided to preserve it as a personal and emotional artifact. “That car is a reminder of so many things,” Newman said in a recent interview. “It reminds me of how lucky I am to still be here, the people I love, and the incredible safety measures that protected me that day.”
The car, now a twisted and battered shell, represents a pivotal moment in Newman’s life—one where his passion for racing intersected with the fragility of life. For Newman, it’s more than just a wrecked race car; it’s a symbol of survival.
The Role of Safety Innovations
Newman’s survival in such a violent crash was made possible by years of advancements in NASCAR safety. Features like the reinforced roll cage, SAFER barriers, and the HANS device played crucial roles in minimizing the impact of the crash.
Newman has been vocal about the importance of continued safety improvements in the sport. “I’m grateful for every piece of technology that worked that day,” he said. “It’s proof that the work being done to protect drivers is saving lives.”
A Changed Perspective
While Newman returned to racing after the crash, the experience profoundly changed his outlook on life and the sport he loves. The car now serves as a tangible reminder of the importance of cherishing each moment, both on and off the track.
“It’s not just a car—it’s a piece of my story,” Newman said. “It reminds me of what really matters: family, passion, and the people who make this sport what it is.”
Preserving a Legacy
Newman’s decision to keep the car also serves as a testament to NASCAR’s evolution and the progress made to ensure driver safety. Fans and fellow drivers alike have applauded Newman for his resilience and for using his experience to advocate for further innovations in the sport.
For Ryan Newman, the battered car from the 2020 Daytona 500 is more than just a reminder of a close call—it’s a symbol of survival, love, and the relentless pursuit of making NASCAR safer for future generations.
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**Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91**
Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut.
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### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars**
Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1.
Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR.
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### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity**
Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut.
In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.
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### **Challenges and Logistics**
Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar.
Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine.
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### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR**
Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart.
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### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment**
For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer.
If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.
