Ryan Newman says he will return to NASCAR action when racing resumes

“That’s the absolute plan, for sure,” Newman told Fox Sports. “I’m healthy. I’ve been blessed with another layer of this situation giving me more time to heal and look forward to being back in the seat, for sure.”

NASCAR could return to live racing as soon as May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, NBC Sports reported.

“I’m excited to be healthy and at some point to get back in the race car when the world starts turning again," Newman said. "I’m thankful for the people and support that I’ve gotten, friends and family and fans, you name it, that have prayed for me and given me this multitude of miracles that has given me this opportunity to get back in the seat at some point.”

Ross Chastain drove Newman's car for the Roush Fenway Racing team in the three races after the Daytona 500, NBC Sports reported.

In a statement, NASCAR said, “We share Ryan’s enthusiasm in his return to the track. We look forward to Ryan returning to racing as soon as he is medically cleared to race.”

Newman, who was starting his 19th full-time season in NASCAR’s top division, was battling Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney when he crashed during final lap of the season-opening Daytona 500. He spent less than two days at a hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida, before he was released.