Ryan Newman, who suffered a head injury in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, said Sunday he will be ready to race when NASCAR resumes competition, which could be as early as May 17.
Speaking before NASCAR's iRacing event Sunday, Newman said on Fox Sports that he will be ready to race when NASCAR calls drivers back to the track.
"That's the absolute plan for sure. I am healthy," Newman said. "I have been blessed with another layer of this [coronavirus] situation giving me more time to heal, and I look forward to being back in the seat."
NASCAR said in a statement that Newman had not yet been cleared by the series to return. He was injured in a spectacular crash while racing for the lead on the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17.
AROUND THE HORN
Horse racing: A 2-year-old colt died after what was called a training accident at Santa Anita in California, the 12th horse fatality at the track since late December. … The Arkansas Derby will be run in two divisions next weekend at Oaklawn Park because 22 horses are entered. Both races will carry the full 170 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Spectators will not be allowed.
College football: Dexter Rentz Jr., a cornerback and receiver who had signed with Louisville, died after being shot late Saturday in his hometown of Orlando, police confirmed.
College basketball: Two players, forward A.J. Lawson of South Carolina and guard Andrew Nembhard of Florida, declared for the NBA draft a second consecutive year.
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