His car sustained significant damage to its protective roll cage, but it appeared the structure had held up sufficiently to give Newman some protection.

Hamlin bypassed the wreck to win his third Daytona 500 over all, but the severity of Newman’s crash created a somber atmosphere after the race as fans and competitors offered support at the track and on social media.

“It’s hard to celebrate at a time like this,” Hamlin said in a subdued ceremony in Victory Lane.

The owner of Hamlin’s team, Joe Gibbs, apologized to fans for their postrace celebration. “We did not know the severity of Ryan’s injuries at that time,” he said.

Newman, a 42-year-old driver from South Bend, Ind., appeared to be on the verge of his second Daytona 500 victory after having won in 2008. But on the final lap, Blaney’s car caught Newman’s rear bumper and caused him to lose control.