While running in third place with 13 laps remaining in Thursday’s Gatorade Duel qualifying race, Ryan Newman’s day came to an abrupt halt when his #39 U.S. Army Chevy got punted from behind by the #00 car of David Reutimann.
The heavy hit on the backstretch of the 2.5-mile oval turned Newman around as he slapped the concrete wall, then skidded down track before coming to a stop on the infield grass. Newman did not suffer any injuries in the incident, but his car took a front-end beating, forcing the Stewart-Haas team to take out the backup car for Sunday’s running of the Daytona 500. Newman’s was credited with a 24th-place finish in the second qualifying race and will start 36th in the 500.
[Stewart Haas PR]
What bad luck for Newman. He qualified so well and had a good run going… Glad to see a new team with good potential!
Newman!!!!!