Guess This Seals the Stewart-Newman Deal
Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman will not drive for Roger Penske’s NASCAR team after this season concludes.
The South Bend, Ind., native and team officials said today via a written statement that they have “mutually agreed” to move in different directions after nine years together.
Newman, who has won 13 races in the No. 12 Alltel Dodge since joining the Sprint Cup Series full-time in 2002, is ranked 16th this season heading to the July 27 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, an event that will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newman is expected to join Tony Stewart’s new team, Stewart Haas Racing.
Newman’s former crew chief Matt Borland, with whom he won 12 races and 37 pole positions, earning himself the nickname of ‘The Rocket’, is currently director of competition at Haas.
“Having a friend over there is something to consider,” Newman said when asked about joining Srewart-Haas Racing
“I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career,” added Newman who is currently 16th in the standings having failed to win a race since the season opener.
“I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me.”
Penske said they will announce a replacement driver for the No.12 Alltel Dodge in the near future.
Technorati Tags: Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ryan Newman, Penske Racing
Yeah, you knew it was only a matter of time before they made his departure from Penske official. I wonder if Gibbs is going to go after him to fill the #20 seat?
I figure one of three are up for the seat, Newman, Truex or… hold onto your hat… Montoya.
Or… Montoya goes to Gibbs.
Newman to Ganassi, Montoya OUT, Logano takes the 20 car. The bloom is off the rose of open wheel drivers like Franchitti and Montoya. Smoke’s 2nd car driver? Anyone with a dirt track background from J.J to Schrader.
I thought I was dreaming George!
Montoya isn’t going anywhere except a better team than Ganassi will ever provide.
Trivia question: When was the last time the Daytona 500 winner showed up the following season at the beach to defend his title in a different ride? Don’t know the answer - haven’t researched it yet. But I’ve gone back about 20 years in my mind without a clear answer.
I did some research and the last person to win the Daytona 500 was Buddy Baker in 1980 for Harry Ranier and the next year he drove for Hoss Ellington. Other then that Bobby Allison won it in 1988 with Stavola Brothers and that was the end of his career.