CHARLOTTE, N.C. – When the NASCAR Cup Series is able to return to the race track, there’s a good chance that Ryan Newman will be back in the seat of the No. 6 Ford Mustang for Roush-Fenway Racing.

Newman joined NASCAR on FOX play-by-play man Mike Joy in studio at the start of Sunday’s eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series broadcast and gave the most encouraging update yet on his health status.

The Purdue University engineering graduate and South Bend, Ind., native was injured in a harrowing crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 and has been out of action while going through a lengthy recovery process.

“I’m excited to be healthy and at some point to get back in the race car when the world starts turning again and thankful for the people and support that I’ve gotten,” Newman said. “Friends and family and fans, you name it, have prayed for me and given me this multitude of miracles that has given me this opportunity to get back in the seat at some point.”

When Joy followed up by asking if Newman would be in the car when NASCAR gets back on-track – potentially as soon as May 17 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Newman smiled before offering his response.

“That’s the absolute plan for sure. I’m healthy … and look forward to being back in the seat for sure.”

While Newman was clear in stating his intentions to return, a statement from NASCAR officials indicated that he is not yet officially medically cleared to be back in the race car, but they – along with Newman’s fans – hope to see him on track as soon as he’s able.

“We share Ryan’s enthusiasm in his return to the track,” the NASCAR statement read. “We look forward to Ryan returning to racing as soon as he is medically cleared to race.”