Denny Hamlin won his second straight Daytona 500 and third overall, beating Ryan Blaney in an overtime photo finish marred by a terrifying crash that sent Ryan Newman to the hospital on Monday.
Newman had surged into the lead on the final lap when Blaney’s bumper caught the back of his Ford and sent Newman hard right into the wall. His car flipped, rolled, was hit on the driver’s side by another car, and finally skidded across the finish line engulfed in flames.
It took several minutes for his car to be rolled back onto its wheels. He was placed in a waiting ambulance and taken directly to a hospital.
Hamlin is the first driver since Sterling Marlin in 1995 to win consecutive Daytona 500s, but his celebration in victory lane was subdued.
“I think we take for granted sometimes how safe the cars are and number one, we are praying for Ryan,†Hamlin said.
NASCAR gave no immediate announcement on Newman’s status and officials moved bystanders away from the crash scene.
This victory came after just the second rain postponement in 62 years, a visit from President Donald Trump, a pair of red flag stoppages and two overtimes. The 0.014 margin of victory was the second closest in race history, and Hamlin’s win over Martin Truex Jr. in 2016 was the closest finish in race history.
Check out photos from Monday's season-opening Daytona 500:
NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingA downpour, as viewed from the press box, forces a postponement of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingCrew members' fire suits dry out in the garage area before the restart of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna Trump NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingPresident Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ride in the presidential limousine as they take a pace lap ahead of the start of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)
Saul Loeb NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingThe U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover during the singing of the national anthem before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack APTOPIX NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingFans watch from the grandstands as Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, prepares to land at Daytona International Airport before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingCrew members' fire suits dry out in the garage area before the restart of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) and Brad Keselowski (2) lead the field on a restart to resume the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDrivers take the green flag to restart the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed due to rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingAlex Bowman makes a pit stop for fuel and tires during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingChase Elliott (9) crosses the line to win the first stage during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingChase Elliott (9), Alex Bowman (88), Jimmie Johnson (48), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) and Aric Almirola (10) race down the front stretch during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingA group of Toyota's run in a single file from left, Denny Hamlin (11), Martin Truex Jr. (19), Kyle Busch (18),Erik Jones (20) and Christopher Bell (95) NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin (11) gets to the line to win the second stage during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRicky Stenhouse Jr. (47) loses control of his car coming out of Turn 4 during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingMatt DiBenedetto (21) crashes during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingCrew members in Joey Logano's pit stall watch the field go by as the cars race by in the early evening during the final laps of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRicky Stenhouse Jr.'s car is crumpled as he makes his way down pit road after a crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingAric Almirola, left, and Jimmie Johnson (48) crash with other cars on the backstretch during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/Chuck McQuinn)
Chuck McQuinn NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingJimmie Johnson (48), Ryan Blaney (12), Tyler Reddick (8), Justin Haley (16) , Austin Dillon (3), Ross Chastain (77), John Hunter Nemechek (38), David Ragan (36) and others are involved in a multi-car accident during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingKyle Busch (18) and Kurt Busch (1) drive towards pit road after an accident during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingCrew members push Jimmie Johnson (48) back to the garage area during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingReed Sorenson (27) drags his rear bumper after colliding with Timmy Hill (66) on the back stretch during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingSparks trail Joey Logano (22) afte he was involved in a crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRoss Chastain (77), Ryan Preece (37) and Tyler Reddick (8) crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. Getting by are Christopher Bell (95) and Michael McDowell (34). (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingJoey Logano (22), Ross Chastain (77), Ryan Preece (37), Christopher Bell (95) and Tyler Reddick (8) crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingJoey Logano (22), Ross Chastain (77), Ryan Preece (37), Christopher Bell (95) and Tyler Reddick (8) crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin (11) drafts Ryan Newman (6) during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDrivers sit along the front stretch during a red flag after a multi-car accident during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingClint Bowyer (14) and Michael McDowell (34) slide on the infield grass after colliding along the front stretch during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack APTOPIX NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) goes airborne after crashing with Corey LaJoie (32) during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) crashes as Denny Hamlin (11) and Ryan Blaney (12) battle during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) goes airborne after crashing during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. Getting by is Chris Buescher (17). (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) goes airborne after crashing into Corey LaJoie (32) during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) gets turned into the wall by Ryan Blaney (12) as Denny Hamlin (11) misses them along the front stretch to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman, left, flips his car as he crosses the finish line in front of the grandstands during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingRyan Newman (6) goes airborne after crashing into Corey LaJoie (32) during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's running of the race was postponed by rain. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingTrack personnel arrive to help Ryan Newman (6) after he flipped his car on the final lap in front of the grandstands during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin (11) celebrates in front of the grandstands after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin (11) celebrates in front of the grandstands after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday's race was postponed because of rain. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin, right, celebrates as he and crew members hoist the championship trophy after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
Terry Renna NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto RacingDenny Hamlin, center, celebrates with crew members after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)
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