by David Ferroni , Defense Department Documents and Publications

Newman, who was running with the lead pack of cars and challenging for the win, was involved in a multicar wreck with five laps remaining in regulation. His No. 39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevrolet Impala SS was sent airborne after getting hit from behind while traveling in excess of 190 miles per hour on the ultra-fast 2.66-mile oval.

As Newman's flying stock car was descending to earth, the back-half smashed into the hood of Kevin Harvick's car and then proceeded to twirl and barrel roll a number of times before coming to a stop upside down on the infield grass. Though it took a brief time before it was known that Newman was okay, it did take a while for him to be extricated.

After the NASCAR safety crew flipped the car right-side up, Newman was unable to exit the car. The roll cage blocked his exit, which forced the safety team to cut the roof. When Newman emerged from the car he walked to the waiting ambulance, which transported him to the infield medical center.

"Pretty sore -- just really disappointed," said Newman, who conducted an informal news conference outside of the infield care center. "We had this race back here in the spring and complained about cars getting airborne and now ironically I'm the guy that gets upside down."

Newman added, "Just a by-product of Talladega racing. Unfortunately, we got hit from behind that turned me sideways then I got up in the air and just kept flipping and flopping. Unfortunately, the (roll) cage came down on top of my head and I couldn't get out. Tough situation with the U.S. Army Chevrolet."

When asked why it took a while to respond to his crew after the accident Newman said, "It knocked the antennae off the car. When they rolled the car back over, the antennae wire connected. I just got to thank ButlerBuilt (professional seat systems), Simpson Race Products and all the guys at the shop and Hendrick Chassis for what they do to make the cars safer. When I hit the roll cage and landed on my head I was a little worried. I was happy to be able to walk out of that in a roundabout way."

Newman's teammate, Tony Stewart, was also involved in the same wreck along with Elliott Sadler, Harvick, and Marcos Ambrose. Stewart finished 35th.

In the Chase point standings, Newman dropped one position to eighth. He is 402 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson with three races remaining. Stewart is fifth, 279 points behind Johnson.

The Talladega race winner was Jamie McMurray. Rounding out the top five in order were Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano, Greg Biffle and Jeff Burton.

The next Cup race is Sunday (Nov. 8) at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

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