Ross Chastain to drive for Ryan Newman at Las Vegas

Ross Chastain will pilot the No. 6 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in place of the injured Ryan Newman, Roush Fenway Racing announced Wednesday (Feb. 19).

Chastain will fill in for Newman, who was injured Monday night in a last-lap crash in the Daytona 500.

“First and foremost, our focus remains with Ryan and his family as he continues to recover,” said Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway, in a news release.

It is unknown when Newman will return to the driver’s seat, the team said.

Newman’s streak of starting in 649 consecutive Cup Series races — a streak dating back to the 2002 Daytona 500 — is tied for the most among active drivers alongside seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

RFR announced Newman was released from Halifax Medical Center Wednesday.

The team said more information will be provided as it becomes available.