Is Stewart Haas Racing Right For Ryan Newman?
Daytona 500 Winner Joins Tony Stewart's Team
Aug 1, 2008
When he won the Daytona 500 in February, many felt that Ryan Newman was on his way back up the NASCAR performance ladder. From 2002 to 2004, he was a perennial frontrunner, and the best qualifier bar none. The Penske Racing organization has plummetted ever since; hence, Newman is searching for a new employer.
After a deal with Joe Gibbs Racing fell through, reports from ESPN had Newman verbally agreeing to drive the second car at Stewart Haas Racing, with an announcement coming within the next two or three weeks.
You will find two completely opposing opinions on the decision to sign with Stewart Haas Racing. Many believe that Tony Stewart will work his magic and this team will fly right out of the gate once the Sprint Cup Series hits the track at Daytona next February. If this is the case, clearly , Newman is upgrading his status.
On the other hand, realistic fans understand that upstart teams need time to find their groove. It may take a year or two, possibly more, before this team actually becomes a consistent frontrunner. For Stewart, that is okay because he has two championships, and has won 32 races throughout his career. He has proven himself, and is perceived by many as the best driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup.
However, Ryan Newman does not have the same accolades. While he boasts 13 career wins, a Daytona 500 and All-Star trophy, and a zillion poles, he still has a lot to prove to the NASCAR world. Ever since he joined NASCAR's top division full time in 2002, he is considered as one of the more skilled and clever drivers in the sport. If you think about it, no other driver to my recollection has won nine races total, ten if you count the All-Star race, in their first two full seasons. Nevertheless, his winning percentage has taken a nosedive since 2003. Since 2005, Newman has missed the Chase for the Championship, and has been involved in a rebuilding project with Penske Racing. Is he willing to do that all over again with a new team?
With the right team, Newman can perform just as good if not better than he did in 2002 and 2003. For instance, if he joined the 20 team, he would likely emerge as a weekly threat.
However, Gibbs and the sponsors want Joey Logano in the 20 car, which is why they endeavored to start a fourth team for Newman. Discounting the influence of sponsors, the coherent option for Joe Gibbs Racing would be to put Newman in the 20 car, which would give them three proven winners as the core of the organization. That would allow Logano to further develop with more seat time from a full-time Nationwide Series schedule.
This would allow ample time for Gibbs to land a sponsor for the fourth team, which of course would belong to 'sliced bread'. Perhaps Sunbeam, Sara Lee, or some other bread company would try to profit from Logano's nickname.
Richard Childress Racing's fourth team is still available, and Gillette Evernham Motorsports made a late pursuit of Newman, but it seems as if his mind is made up.
Worst case scenario, Newman will perform midpack at first, which is what he is dealing with now. However, he and his new team will improve and eventually, he may make a run at the Sprint Cup championship.
Now, on to the Rusty Wallace issue. You cannot help but respect Rusty Wallace for his record of accomplishments in NASCAR, but sometimes the words that come out of his mouth are baffling. He spoke out of turn by implying that Roger Penske fired Newman.
Newman, as usual, used sarcasm to strike back, indicating that Wallace had multiple personality syndrome. It was quite humorous.
Rusty, focus on Rusty Wallace, Inc. and your ESPN gig. Let Roger Penske and Ryan Newman worry about their deal.
