Good-Bye Newman
Written by Rocky Kitts · July 14, 2008
Well, the hits just keep on coming, and it looks like the next stop for the NASCAR U-Haul will be at Penske Racing where Ryan Newman will be moving out of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger.
Newman who is best known for his tremendous 2003 season; a season that saw him win eight races, has had issues the last couple of years with his team’s lack of competitiveness. Newman won two races in ‘04 and only one in ‘05 and didn’t see the winner’s circle again until winning the Daytona 500 this year. Despite that win, there has been little in the way of momentum for Newman’s squad, and this separation doesn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone.
Newman’s one of those guys that has always been either near the front of the pack or in the garage getting dents hammered out of his ride, and I have no doubt that on the right team he could be a big bullet. There have been many rumors about Newman driving for Tony Stewart’s new team next season, and ESPN says that an announcement could be made in two weeks at Indianapolis.
Personally, I would have liked to have seen Newman as the fourth driver at Hendrick, as I think that he makes more sense than Mark Martin does (post coming on that topic at a later date, stay tuned), but he and Stewart could make a nice little combo. But, if a lack of competitiveness led to problems between Newman and Penske, I have to believe that a fledgling owner might not be the best place for Newman to end up.
Other teams that are possibly interested are Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing, but I don’t really see either of those teams being the right long-term fit for Newman.
I don’t see Ryan going to Gibbs either because Joey will be putting Busch in his shadow next year. I think Stewart HAAS will be a great place for him and he will get the equip. he needs.