2008 Races [6] that Kodak is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Pocono - June 8
Chicago - July 12 with The Mummy - Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Watkins Glen - Aug 10
California - Aug 31
New Hampshire - Sept 14
Atlanta - Oct 26
2008 Races [1] that Avis is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Pocono - Aug 3
- Newman vs. the lawn mower: #12-Ryan Newman has four stitches on his forehead, courtesy of a bout this week with his lawn mower. Newman was down on the ground putting a belt on his mower when it snapped off and caused him to knock his head on the crossbar of the handle. It left a nasty cut at the hairline of his forehead. His helmet rubs up against the stitching, but Newman doesn't think it will cause any problems in Sunday's race.(ESPN)(10-5-2008) Comment here
- Stremme named 2009 #12 Driver: Penske Racing today announced that David Stremme, 31, will pilot the #12 Alltel Dodge for the 2009 Cup Series season. Stremme is currently ranked 12th in the 2008 Nationwide Series driver points standings after starting 24 of 27 races. Driving for Penske Racing alumnus Rusty Wallace, Stremme has posted five top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. In April 2008, Stremme was announced as an official Penske Racing test driver and has accelerated the understanding of the new Cup Series Dodge that made its full-season debut in 2008. “We’re pleased to have David join Penske Racing as the driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge,” said Roger Penske. “His past accomplishments and current experience as our NASCAR test driver, as well as his character and desire for success, make him a good fit into our culture.” Alltel has been a longtime partner of Penske Racing, and the near-decade association between the two organizations has produced impressive results with 23 victories and 55 pole positions in Cup, Nationwide and ARCA. Stremme is only the second driver in Penske Racing history to wear the Alltel blue-and-white. “Alltel is proud to welcome David into our ‘Circle’ and have him behind the wheel of the #12 Alltel Dodge in 2009,” said Frank O’Mara, chief marketing officer, Alltel Wireless. “We look forward to having him serve as an ambassador for Alltel both on and off the track.”
“It’s an honor to join Penske Racing as the driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge,” said Stremme. “To be a part of Penske Racing’s 40-plus-year legacy has been a longtime dream of mine. I cannot wait to join my new teammates and work to get the #12 into the 2009 Chase.”(Penske Racing PR)(9-3-2008) Comment here
- Latest on the #12 ride UPDATE 2: Marty Smith of ESPN reports that he was told by Penske Racing that Brad Keselowski [JR Motorsports in the NNS] was never offered the #12 Dodge [ride] Jonathan Gibson, vice president at Penske, tells [Smith] they've spoken with a lot of drivers, but made just one offer -- and that's to the individual they plan to sign. All signs point to that person being David Stremme, but Gibson would not confirm Stremme as the team's leading candidate.(ESPN.com)(8-28-2008)
UPDATE: Brad Keselowski said he visited Penske Racing last week but did not have an offer on the table to drive the Sprint Cup #12 car next season. "I just went down and said, 'Hi,' and checked everything out, looked at their beautiful building," Keselowski said Friday at Auto Club Speedway. "I only live like a mile from the place. I heard it's a cool shop, and I had to check it out." Keselowski said the Penske officials asked him what his contract situation was, and Keselowski said he was committed to JR Motorsports. Penske Racing is looking for a replacement for Ryan Newman. Penske test driver David Stremme is considered one of the candidates for that ride. "I basically told them flat out that I have a contract to drive for JR Motorsports, and I'm committed to it," Keselowski said. "The biggest thing is I've got a good ride. We won last week, so it has to be pretty good. We're winning races and we're happy, so why [mess] with that?(SceneDaily.com)(8-30-2008)
UPDATE: David Stremme doesn't seem worried at all about talk that other people have possibly spoken to Penske Racing about driving the #12 Sprint Cup car next year. Stremme, who signed earlier this year as a test driver for Penske to go along with his Nationwide Series driving duties for Rusty Wallace Racing, has been considered the primary candidate for the job the last few weeks. Stremme said that he might be able to talk about his future next week. "I don't have anything [to say]," a terse but polite Stremme said Saturday at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway. "We'll see [what happens]." When asked if he was worried about the talk that Penske's people talked with Brad Keselowski (Keselowski says he was never offered the ride), Stremme said he wasn't. "Talk to them at Penske, they probably know what's going on," Stremme said.(SceneDaily.com)(9-1-2008) Comment here
- Hornish unsure of points, team swap: Sam Hornish Jr. says he hasn't had any conversations with Penske Racing officials regarding a possible move from the team's #77 Dodge to the #12 for 2009, or a possible points swap between the two. "All I know about it is that no decision has been made," Hornish said Friday while at Auto Club Speedway. "I just know they need a driver for the 12 car." Teammate Ryan Newman's impending departure means the Penske organization has one driver opening to fill. Putting Hornish in the 12 would likely placate primary sponsor Alltel and would guarantee the driver a spot in the field through a minimum of next season's first five races (when final owner points from 2008 are used).(SceneDaily.com)(8-30-2008) Comment here
- Stremme to the #12? Alltel out? David Stremme, the driver for Rusty Wallace’s Nationwide effort, appears to have the inside track to replace Ryan Newman in the #12 Dodge at Penske racing next season. While refusing to acknowledge that a decision has been made, all signs from within the organization point to an announcement within a matter of days, as soon as the details on sponsorship for the team have been finalized. Current primary sponsor Alltel, which merged with Verizon this spring [but the deal has not been closed and probably won't be in late 2009], has been forced to leave at the conclusion of 2008.(Yahoo Sports)(8-20-2008)
- Newman's 2009 plans to be announced Friday? UPDATE Official: #12-Ryan Newman will be introduced as the second driver at Stewart-Haas Racing on Friday at Michigan International Speedway, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday. Newman reached a verbal agreement with Tony Stewart a few weeks ago, but details about his sponsor and other contractual details had to be ironed out before the deal could be officially announced. Stewart, who recently took over 50% of Haas CNC Racing, will drive the #14 sponsored by Office Depot and Old Spice. Newman will drive the #4, with Burger King, U.S. Army and UPS being mentioned as potential sponsors. Newman also was pursued by Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Petty Enterprises after announcing he would not return to Penske Racing next season. Newman will be reunited with Matt Borland, now the competition director at Stewart-Haas. Borland was Newman's crew chief at Penske for 12 of his 13 Cup victories. Attempts to reach Newman and Stewart were unsuccessful.(ESPN.com)(8-13-2008)
UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing announced the Ryan Newman would be the driver of their 2nd team, the #4 Chevy. No sponsor or crew chief was announced. Newman said the contract is multi-year, but no exact term mention.(8-15-2008)
UPDATE 2 - the press release: Stewart-Haas Racing has signed Ryan Newman to a multi-year contract to drive the team's #4 Chevrolet beginning with the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. Newman, winner of 13 Sprint Cup races, including this year's Daytona
500, will be a teammate to Tony Stewart, the two-time Sprint Cup champion who will drive the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet in
2009. The announcement pairs two Indiana natives and two former United States Auto Club (USAC) champions under one roof. "We're obviously very excited to have Ryan join our team," said Stewart, who will serve as both driver and owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, with
Stewart owning Newman's #4 entry. "Long before Ryan came to NASCAR, I knew he was talented. His success in USAC has continued in stock cars, and to have someone of his caliber as my teammate makes both the driver part of me and the owner part of me very happy."
"All I want to do is win, and Tony is a proven winner as both a driver and a team owner," Newman said. "Tony is a racer who has seen all sides of this sport. He knows what it takes to win, and I know that he's going to give me everything I need to be successful. We share the same goals, the same background and the same mindset. There's a comfort level at Stewart-Haas Racing that's very unique, and it's why I've made it my new home." Newman, who enjoys fishing and restoring vintage cars, resides in Statesville, N.C., with his wife, Krissie.(True Speed Communications PR)(8-15-2008) Comment here
- Verizon/Alltel hopes to continue sponsorship: Scott Ford's speaking appearance at a July 22 gathering of the Rotary Club of Little Rock produced a couple of anecdotes related to the planned $28.1 billion sale to Verizon Corp. The CEO of Little Rock's Alltel Corp. said Verizon was interested in continuing the sponsorship of Ryan Newman's #12 Dodge Charger on the NASCAR circuit. Ford described the publicity gained from the Alltel car as providing a 6-1 advertising leverage. He said the only better investment, on a cost-per-eyeball basis, was Alltel Arena in North Little Rock. Newman's #12 car, sporting Alltel's familiar blue and white colors, won the Daytona 500 back in February.(Arkansas Business), for Verizon to keep the sponsorship, they would have to keep the Alltel brand. AT&T was allowed to switch from Cingular on the #31 car for about 18 months after Cingular and Alltel were grandfathered in after Nextel/Sprint became the Cup Series sponsor in 2004.(8-4-2008) Comment here
- Newman Commits to Stewart-Haas? UPDATE 2: hearing that Ryan Newman has agreed in prinicipal to drive for Stewart Haas racing in 2009.(7-30-2008)
UPDATE: Ryan Newman has reached a verbal agreement to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing next season, a NASCAR source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday. The deal could take up to a month to finalize and announce as negotiations continue for car sponsors. Newman reached the agreement after Joe Gibbs Racing was unable to nail down sponsorship to start a fourth team. JGR president J.D. Gibbs confirmed on Sunday at Indianapolis that Newman no longer was a factor in the team's plans and that a fourth team was unlikely for 2009. Stewart will drive the #14 and Newman the #4. Newman also has been pursued by Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Petty Enterprises since announcing he would not return to Penske Racing next season, sources said.(ESPN.com)(7-30-2008)
UPDATE2: Amidst all the speculation surrounding Ryan Newman's future, the driver and even his wife maintain no official deal has been signed to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Despite several online reports that the driver of the #12 Penske Dodge verbally agreed to join Stewart-Haas in 2009, Newman issued a statement Friday saying, "I am still working on my 2009 plans at this time. I have no timetable on finalizing anything at this point." Also, a blog posted this week from wife Krissie Newman said, "Don't get too excited just yet."
Nevertheless, Newman said he doesn't have anything on paper. "I've got my search pretty narrowed down I just don't have everything finalized," he said last week. Newman said there is no time frame for his decision, but admits time is of the essence and said the sooner he can work out an agreement the better in order to prepare for the 2009 season-opener in Daytona.(NASCAR.com)(8-2-2008) Comment here
- Avis scheme for Newman: #12-Ryan Newman will run a red and white Avis [rental cars] in the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. This is the first and only race this year that Avis has served as the primary sponsor for the No. 12 Dodge in 2008.
In honor of this weekend's #12 Avis Dodge, Avis is inviting motorsports enthusiasts to experience the unique service and benefits of its award-winning technology with a special discount on its car rentals. To receive up to 25% off rentals, racing fans must mention Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number W009404 at the time of reservation by calling 1-800-331-1212 or visit www.avis.com and enter the AWD number when prompted. This week, the #12 Avis Dodge pit crew traveled to Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., to take part in NASCARnival Nights. As part of the event, the #12 pit crew did a pit stop demonstration for the 125 campers. The pit crew also participated in the night's "Beach Blast"-themed activities - they took turns in the dunking tank, played with water guns and just enjoyed time with the campers.(Penske Racing PR), see images of the scheme on my #12 Team Scheme page.(7-30-2008)
- Newman not going to the #20 car: Strike Joe Gibbs Racing from the list of potential employers for Ryan Newman. Newman's name has been most prominently mentioned to land with Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Sources close to the situation said he also has had discussions with JGR, Richard Childress Racing and Gillett Evernham Motorsports. An RCR official said on Friday that he expected Newman to go to Stewart, and JGR president J.D. Gibbs said on Sunday it was unlikely the driver of Penske Racing's #12 could join his Toyota team. "It would be hard," Gibbs said before the Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Another time, another day, maybe. He's a great individual. You would love to have him on your team. It's just all those ducks aren't in a row." Gibbs did say he was getting closer to naming a driver to replace Tony Stewart in the #20 next season. Joey Logano, the 18-year-old sensation in the Nationwide Series, remains the front-runner for that spot. Gibbs also said speculation JGR would expand to four teams in 2009 was unlikely. "Next year would be hard," Gibbs said.(ESPN.com)(7-28-2008) Comment here
- Stremme has talked to Penske about #12 gig: David Stremme, currently a test driver at Penske Racing and Nationwide Series driver for Rusty Wallace Racing, said he has talked with Penske officials about driving the #12 Sprint Cup car next season. The team is looking for a replacement for Ryan Newman, who will leave the team at the end of the year. “We’ve talked,” Stremme said Saturday at O’Reilly Raceway Park. “Obviously, I’m doing testing for them. But there are a lot of opportunities open, too. Who wouldn’t want to be racing for Roger Penske? He’s very successful in motorsports. I like how they do their program.”(SceneDaily)(7-28-2008) Comment here
- Newman's search narrowed down: #12-Ryan Newman said Friday at Indy that he has his search for a new ride narrowed down, just doesn't have everything finalized, it is more a matter of paperwork and finalizing everything before he can announced something.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(7-26-208) Comment here
- Rusty says Newman was fired; Newman says 'no': Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman never were pals when they competed as teammates at Penske Racing. Now, the two men have a major difference of opinion over the circumstances of Newman's departure from the No. 12 Dodge at the end of this season. Newman has said repeatedly that he and team owner Roger Penske discussed his situation a few weeks ago when Newman decided he wanted to move on. Wallace insinuated on Friday that Newman was fired. "I'll clear this leaving thing up," Wallace said. "He didn't leave. Roger called Ryan up to his office and said, 'I don't need your services next year.' Ryan didn't come to him and say he's leaving. You all need to write that. That's exactly how it went down. Obviously, there was some bad blood there when that happened. I love Roger, so I'm going to help clear up the story for him."
However, in a clarifying statement shortly thereafter, Penske said: "I have read Rusty's comments and it is important for everyone to understand that I did not fire Ryan. His contract runs though 2008 and we sat down and agreed that we were not going forward beyond this year." Newman was told about Wallace's comments about an hour later. "I don't know what Rusty is trying to prove, but that's not the case," Newman said. "Roger and I agreed not to continue our association. If anything, it was me more than him. Our goals didn't align." Wallace, now a broadcaster for ESPN, was Newman's teammate from 2002 through 2005. Their relationship was strained during most of those four seasons.(ESPN.com)
AND Newman said Friday at Indy that it wasn't the case, that Roger and he decided mutually not continue.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(7-26-208) Comment here
- Stremme the favorite to replace Newman? Rusty Wallace Inc. to Cup? Sam Hornish Jr. said Tuesday that nobody has spoken to him about moving from Penske Racing's #77 Dodge to replace the departing #12-Ryan Newman next season, and that he has no idea who will ultimately end up in the ride. Sources close to the situation continue to tell Sirius Speedway that David Stremme is the leading candidate for the ride, but whether or not those sources are correct, it seems likely that Stremme will find his way back to the Sprint Cup ranks next season, one way or another. Stremme has turned down a number of offers to return to the Sprint Cup Series this season -- holding out for a ride that he feels is capable of running up front -- while serving as a test driver for Penske Racing. I [Dave Moody] believe that Stremme may have already received a commitment from Roger Penske for a full-time Cup ride in 2009.
AND: Yet another option for career advancement landed on Stremme's doorstep Tuesday, when an executive for ABC/ESPN confirmed that Rusty Wallace could continue as a network analyst if he moves his race team to the Sprint Cup Series. ESPN Vice President of Motorsports Rich Feinberg said that while the network did not allow Wallace to own a Cup team when he was first hired in 2006, the addition of team owners Ray Evernham and Brad Daugherty to the lineup has prompted a change in policy. Feinberg said, "The choice for Rusty to go into Cup racing is Rusty's, and we have relayed our position to him on that." Wallace has not yet commented publically on the possibility of RWI jumping to Cup in the near future. But if he does, Stremme will obviously be at the top of his list of potential drivers.(Motorsports Soapbox)(7-24-2008) Comment here
- Gillett Evernham interested in free agent drivers: Tuesday Gillett Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham spoke to Sirius Speedway host Dave Moody about the possibility of bringing Ryan Newman or any other free agent drivers to his race team for next year.
Host, Dave Moody: "Are you now, have you ever, or do you anticipate active negotiations with Ryan Newman for a spot in your stable next year?"
Ray Evernham: "We have not negotiated with Ryan but we have put out the feeler that we would be very interested, certainly, in talking to Ryan about the future as would probably all the other car owners but we've not spoken with Ryan or negotiated with him. But, yes, we are interested in talking to him."
Moody: "So if your phone rings and he does [call] you back are we talking about a fourth car?"
Evernham: "Mr. Gillett and I would love to expand to four cars. So if that's going to happen it has to happen quickly but there are opportunities to grow Gillett Evernham Motorsports. But, again, that depends on drivers and sponsors and there are sponsors available with the proper drivers."
Moody: "Would it be safe to assume then that Ryan Newman might not be the only top notch driver in the final year of his contract that you might have reached out [to] at this point?"
Evernham: "Yeah, absolutely, but there's no sense in doing a fourth team unless it can add to what we're already building and to start a fourth team without the proper sponsorship or a driver that can add to the program just doesn't make sense. There are a couple of drivers available and there are some sponsors out there that are talking to other teams, too, besides us to put packages together. But if we were to be able to put that package together to strengthen Gillett Evernham we'd certainly do it. The guys that are out there that have been talking to people, certainly that we have spoken to or are interested in speaking [to], are the same guys everybody else has talked to: Ryan Newman, Casey Mears and Martin Truex are the guys that are in the hot rumors right now."(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(7-23-2008) Comment here
- Newman gets his own road: Move aside, Abraham Lincoln: Ryan Newman’s taking over a stretch of your road. A stretch of Lincoln Way West in the driver’s hometown of South Bend, Indiana has been rededicated for the winner of this year’s Daytona 500. It will not be renamed for now. During a ceremony Wednesday, Newman noted the half-mile stretch near South Bend Regional Airport has a speed limit of 45 mph. Said Newman: “I’m kind of wondering if maybe we can up the speed limit in that stretch.” (Associated Press/Indianapolis Star)(7-18-2008) Comment here
- Newman says he has 4 options for 2009: UPDATE: Ryan Newman was "Mummy" on whether he will leave Penske Racing after this season. Newman, promoting the soon-to-be-released movie "Mummy" on his car in Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway, is considered the leading candidate to join Tony Stewart next season at newly-formed Stewart-Haas Racing. Sources have told ESPN.com that deal to join the Indiana natives is close to done and could be announced in two weeks at Indianapolis. Newman said he has three serious options outside of Penske and that ownership is part of at least one of the options. He also said re-signing with Penske is an option. Asked if ownership could be an option at Stewart-Haas, where Stewart was given 50 percent of the company, Newman said, "I won't answer that." Newman said last month he would not re-sign with Penske unless the performance of his team improved significantly. He said the team has made some strides to improve, but not enough to convince him it is ready to challenge for a championship. (ESPN.com)(7-13-2008)
UPDATE: Newman acknowledged on Saturday in Chicagoland that he has three serious options outside of Penske. A source close to the situation said Newman has been in discussions with Stewart Haas, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing. The source added there is a firm offer from Stewart-Haas and that potential sponsors are set, but that the deal is not done. Newman said one of his options included ownership of equity in the company. Stewart-Haas general manager Joe Custer said his company is not looking to give up any more ownership than the 50 percent already given to Stewart. JGR officials have consistently said they are not interested in giving up ownership. Team owner Joe Gibbs and president J.D. Gibbs talked on Saturday as though 18-year-old sensation Joey Logano could replace Stewart in the #20 Home Depot car next season. RCR, looking for a driver for a fourth team sponsored by General Mills, and GEM already are divided into partnerships.(ESPN.com)(7-15-2008) Comment here
- Truex or Stremme to the #12? Penske has offered no hints as to who might replace Ryan Newman. Martin Truex Jr.’s name has been mentioned, but Truex’s current contract with DEI is still the subject of legal debate, and it is unclear if DEI will indeed force Truex to return for another season or give him his release. Truex has been pushing quietly to become a free agent. David Stremme, who drove for fellow Dodge owner Chip Ganassi until being released at the end of last season, has been a Penske test driver this season, and Stremme could also be under consideration.(Winston-Salem Journal)(7-15-2008) Comment here
- Newman and Penske to part ways at end of season: UPDATE: Penske Racing and Ryan Newman have mutually agreed to move in new directions at the conclusion of the 2008 season. "We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years," said team owner Roger Penske. "We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we'll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season." The driver of the Penske Racing #12 Alltel car for the 2009 NASCAR Cup season will be announced in the near future.(Penske Racing PR)(7-14-2008)
Statement from Alltel: "From the early days in the ARCA series to our team celebration in Victory Lane at this year's Daytona 500, Alltel Wireless has enjoyed a memorable, eight-year relationship with Ryan Newman," said Jeff Fox, chief operating officer, Alltel Wireless. "Ryan has been an outstanding representative on- and off-the track, and we're very proud of the results the partnership has delivered to our brand. We remain committed to our sponsorship of the #12 Alltel Dodge and look forward to having Ryan behind the wheel for the rest of the 2008 season. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor."(Alltel PR)(7-14-2008) Comment here
- Newman and the Mummy team up at Chicago: UPDATE: #12-Ryan Newman is scheduled to race aspecial paint-schemed car during the LifeLock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 12th. Kodak and Universal Pictures have teamed up and will run the special movie scheme: The Mummy - Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.(5-2-2008)
UPDATE: Eastman Kodak Company and Universal Pictures have partnered to promote the latest epic adventure in the blockbuster global Mummy franchise at the Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway on July 12. Through Kodak’s partnership with Penske Racing and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, the Kodak #12 Dodge will feature a bold paint scheme from The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Kodak will also have its branding on the car. Ryan Newman will wear a Kodak-The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor branded firesuit and helmet as will his pit crew.(Kocak PR)(7-10-2008) See the image on my #12 Team Schemes page.
- Penske Racing Pays Tribute to Employee: This weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, all three Penske Racing NASCAR Cup Series entries will carry a special decal in memory of employee Bill Passwater. The decal will also be on Penske IndyCar Series entries at Nashville Superspeedway and the American Le Mans Series entries at Lime Rock. Passwater, 33, passed away on Wednesday morning. He is survived by his wife, Heather, and their baby daughter, Lyla Grace. Passwater had been employed at Penske Racing since 2005. He was the transportation coordinator for the NASCAR Cup Series teams.(Penske Racing PR)(7-10-2008)
- McDowell to Penske? There's still the issue of a replacement for Ryan Newman at Penske [in the #12 if Newman goes to Stewart Haas Racing], also rumored to be Casey Mears, but I [Yahoo's Bob Margolis] hear #00-Michael McDowell could be in play there as he's somehow lost favor with the Michael Waltrip folks.(Yahoo Sports)(7-10-2008) Comment here
- Mears or Stremme to the #12? It appears to be a two-man race for Ryan Newman’s soon-to-be-vacant [#12] seat at Penske Racing, with Casey Mears and David Stremme in the running. Stremme is making a strong bid for the ride, doing yeoman work as Penske Racing’s test driver this season. In fact, Stremme’s name is being linked with as many as three different Cup openings next year.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(7-7-2008) Comment here
- Office Depot to Stewart UPDATE and Newman and Jack Daniels: been told that Office Depot will be the sponsor for Tony Stewart in 2009 when he drives for Haas CNC Racing which is will buy in to. Hearing the announcement of the buy and deal will be made in Indianapolis the week NASCAR is in Indy for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, July 27th.(7-3-2008)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart is expected to announce a 2009 move to Haas-CNC Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in three weeks. Reliable sources tell Sirius Speedway that Stewart will also announce sponsorship from Office Depot and Old Spice as part of a new, multi-year package with Haas CNC, and that Penske Racing’s Ryan Newman will join him as a teammate, with sponsorship from Jack Daniels. That surprise move comes as the result of an enviable situation at Richard Childress Racing, which now has five potential sponsors for next season, and only four teams. Sirius Speedway has learned that UPS will move from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #44 Toyota to the quarterpanels of Clint Bowyer’s #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2009, leaving Jack Daniels in search of a new driver. That driver will be #12-Ryan Newman, who is set to sign-on with Stewart at Haas CNC.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(7-7-2008) Comment here
- Penske back at the track: Legendary team owner Roger Penske,71, missed his second consecutive NASCAR race weekend after having a scheduled medical procedure (related to his kidney) two weeks ago. Team president Tim Cindric handled the day-to-day operations for both the NASCAR and IndyCar teams in his absence. "The Captain," as Penske is known, is expected back at the track today for the IndyCar Series race in Watkins Glen, N.Y.(Tampa Tribune)(7-6-2008) Comment here
- Another open wheeler out of the mix, Castroneves to stay in IRL: Helio Castroneves has agreed to a long-term contract with Penske Racing IndyCar Series team, squelching rumors he was considering a jump to NASCAR. Castroneves declined to confirm details except to say it is a multiyear contract. Castroneves was to become a free agent at the end of the season. "We don't have it signed, but we have everything agreed to," Castroneves said Friday at Watkins Glen International, site of Sunday's Indy Racing League event. "It's good."
Team president Tim Cindric confirmed the oral agreement. Series officials were ecstatic with the news. "That's excellent, cool, very good, it's huge," said Terry Angstadt, the president of the league's commercial division. "You look at the breakthrough names (in the series) and it's Helio and Danica at this stage. Those two are very important names. It's critical to have Helio here not just with his personality but his talent and all the things he brings to the table." Castroneves is the first piece of the IndyCar Series' driver puzzle to fall into place for the 2009 season. Dan Wheldon, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti also have contracts that expire at the end of the season. Wheldon has said he is working through the details to remain with Ganassi Racing, and Andretti figures to return to his family-owned Andretti Green Racing.(Indianapolis Star)(7-5-2008) Comment here
- Newman To Have His Space In Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame: Ryan Newman's signature, right footprint and hand prints will now have their place in the history of Daytona International Speedway. During the Coke Zero 400 Weekend, Newman on Friday, July 4 at 1:30 p.m. will participate in a question and answer session
with the race fans inside Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction and then proceed outside where he will have his 3x3 cement block with his signature, hand prints and right foot print placed into the Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame. Newman, the winner of the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 earlier this year, put his right foot, autograph and handprints into the cement during his post-race Gatorade Victory Lane celebration. Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig and Daytona 500 Experience General Manager Kim Isemann will assist Newman in placing the block into Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame, which is located just outside the "Official Attraction of NASCAR." Winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona 500 Experience, have their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in the Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Weekend are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-30-2008)
- Newman waiting on team performace before making plans: Ryan Newman has an agreement to revisit his latest contract offer with team owner Roger Penske after an undisclosed deadline, but said he will not return to his current NASCAR Sprint Cup team unless his #12 Dodge program shows significant improvement soon. Newman’s season has been mostly a disappointment after he opened with a victory in the 50th Daytona 500. He’s 17th in points with five top-10s but four finishes of 30th or worse, two because of engine failures. “It’s a performance issue,” Newman, 30, said at a pre-Coke Zero 400 media event at Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday.(St Petersburg Times)(6-18-2008) Comment here
- No word from Alltel: Car owner [#2,#12,#77] Roger Penske said he has not had any conversations with Alltel officials since the recent announcement Verizon will buy Alltel, a deal that could force Penske to find another sponsor. NASCAR officials indicate that Verizon won't be able to replace Alltel as sponsor for Ryan Newman's car. Only wireless companies already in the sport were allowed to remain when Nextel, which later became Sprint, took over as series sponsor. Penske says he hasn't needed to talk with Alltel officials until the company decides how the new version will be branded. If the Alltel brand goes away, so, it appears, will the sponsorship.(Roanoke Times)(6-16-2008) Comment here
- Penske Racing Teams Up with Cunningham Motorsports: Helping to pave the way for its continued success in stock car racing, Penske Racing announced an
official developmental partnership with Cunningham Motorsports. With the consistent growth of Penske Racing, which currently competes with three Dodge Chargers in the Sprint Cup Series and one Dodge Charger in Nationwide Series competition, the 2008 Daytona 500 championship team is eager to add to its history of motorsports success. As it looks for talented personnel to join the team in the future, Penske Racing will partner with Cunningham Motorsports, an established and proven team across the developmental racing ranks. Through this partnership, Penske Racing will work with the Cunningham Motorsports teams racing in USAC Midget, ARCA RE/MAX Series and Craftsman Truck Series competition. Penske Racing will also help develop the talented young drivers in the Cunningham Motorsports program as well as identify potential crew and team members to add to its staff in the future. In addition, the partnership will provide Penske Racing another source for testing as well as engine and chassis development as it continues to enhance its program.(Penske Racing PR)(6-14-2008)
- NASA to host Daytona 500 media day at Kennedy Space Center: In honor of NASA's 50th anniversary and the 50th running of NASCAR's Daytona 500 in February, NASA's Kennedy Space Center will host a media day Tuesday, June 17, starting at 11:30am/et. The event will include the winner of this year's race, Ryan Newman. During the event, NASA will present NASCAR with two green racing flags that were flown last February aboard space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission to the International Space Station. One flag will be given to Newman, the second will be presented to Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. A third flag that was flown will be kept by NASA for public display. At the event, Newman will drive the crawler-transporter, the huge tracked vehicle that carries space shuttles to the launch pad. The flag presentation ceremony will be at Launch Pad 39A. Following the ceremony, a news media question-and-answer session will be held at the pad. Afterward, there will be a separate interview opportunity for print media in Kennedy's news center auditorium. The connection between NASA and Daytona's International Speedway extends beyond their close proximity to one another. During recent
years, technology developed for the space program has found many uses on Earth, including helping NASCAR drivers stay safe and increase performance.(PR)(6-12-2008)
- Newman talking future with Penske, but sponsorship could affect it UPDATE: #12-Ryan Newman already has been in discussions about his future with Penske Racing, and now the issue is complicated with the uncertainty over sponsor Alltel. Alltel and Verizon announced Thursday that Verizon has agreed to purchase Alltel, with the transaction completed by the end of the year pending approval from industry regulators. Verizon plans to drop the Alltel brand, and NASCAR officials are adamant that Verizon cannot replace Alltel on the car because Verizon was not grandfathered in when NASCAR signed Nextel as its premier series sponsor in 2003. Will the uncertainty of the sponsor impact negotiations? “Long term, yeah, it’s going to have an influence,” Newman said on Friday after qualifying at Pocono Raceway. “I don’t know what that influence is yet. Obviously, it’s new news to everybody, including most of the people at Alltel. I’ll keep doing what I usually do and see what happens.” Penske Racing has a long-term deal with Alltel beyond this season, and its status might not be determined until late in the season or early next year depending on when the deal is completed and when Verizon drops the Alltel name. Newman could sign a contract without a committed sponsor but that is rare for marquee drivers. “I don’t know,” Newman said when asked if he would sign without a sponsor commitment. “I have no idea how long things are going to take and what the situation is going to be like.”(SceneDaily)(6-7-2008)
UPDATE: Team owner Roger Penske said he does not believe uncertainty surrounding primary sponsor Alltel will affect negotiations with driver #12-Ryan Newman. Communications company Alltel last week indicated it has agreed to sell to its business Verizon in a deal that should conclude by the end of this year. Verizon will not be able to replace Alltel as a sponsor on Newman's car, NASCAR officials said, citing the ATT/Cingular issue involving Richard Childress Racing and Jeff Burton's car last year. "We have not had any discussion strategically how that [sale] will affect the brand at this point," Penske said Sunday at Pocono Raceway. "They have a number of options. It's way too early for me to speculate what's going to happen with the sponsorship. We're waiting to see when the transaction, if it happens, when it gets executed and what's going to be the brand strategy." Penske said his team could absorb any financial issues if Alltel has to withdraw. "We have a long-term commitment with Alltel, and I'm certainly sure they wouldn't leave us high and dry," Penske said. "We're a team that can operate with or without a sponsor. We have done it in the past." Newman, who joined Penske Racing with Alltel in 2002, continues to negotiate with Penske Racing. Newman, whose contract expires at the end of this year, said he is not concerned about this future. "I know that once you're in this place [Sprint Cup racing], you're pretty much locked in unless you screw up," Newman said. "There's no point in being emotional about something that doesn't require emotion."
Newman also said he is talking to other teams. "I have to do that to be fair to myself," Newman said. "I'm not leading the points, and if I was, it would be a no-brainer. It's not like marriage. It's not like we're locked in for life. You can stop with whoever you're dating and date someone else. You can have more than one phone number in your phone." Penske said the negotiations with Newman have been "very open." "I've talked to drivers, and drivers have talked to us," Penske said. "[Newman] and I have had very open conversations for several months. It's good that everybody gets a chance to see what's out there and what are the opportunities and at the time we've got to make a decision, we'll make it." Penske also addressed a rumor that he is interested in buying Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, saying there is nothing to it. "Chip's been a friend of mine for a long time, and I think that all came out of a comment, 'How can we work together to get better?' " Penske said.(ESPN.com)(6-9-2008) Comment here
- Verizon in talks to buy Alltel UPDATE2 bought, no NASCAR: Verizon Wireless is in talks to buy Alltel Communications LLC, the country's fifth-largest wireless carrier by subscribers, for $27 billion, according to news reports. If consummated, an acquisition would be the biggest telecom deal since AT&T Inc. bought BellSouth Corp. at the end of 2006. Adding Alltel's 13.2 million subscribers to Verizon Wireless' 67.2 million would create the largest wireless carrier in the country, far ahead of AT&T Inc. with 71.4 million customers. Talks are at a sensitive stage, according to CNBC and The Wall Street Journal. Both reports cited unnamed sources close to the discussions. Representatives of Verizon Communications Inc. and Alltel had no comment Wednesday.(Associated Press)(6-5-2088)
UPDATE: Verizon Wireless said Thursday it would buy rural mobile phone service provider Alltel Corp for $28.1 billion, including debt, which would vault it to first place in the U.S. market ahead of AT&T Inc. Under the deal, Verizon Wireless would acquire the equity of Alltel for $5.9 billion and take on an estimated $22.2 billion in debt, mostly incurred when Alltel was taken private in November in a leveraged buyout by TPG Capital and Goldman Sachs Group Inc's GS Capital Partners. Verizon Wireless said the deal would create savings of $1 billion in the second year after closing, which is targeted for the end of 2008, pending regulatory approval. It forecast total savings of more than $9 billion by 2011, driven by reduced capital and operating expenses. Verizon Wireless and Alltel, which has more than 13 million customers, together would have more than 80 million customers. AT&T ended the first quarter with about 71 million customers.(Forbes.com), no word on how or if this would effect the sponsorship [which is good thru 2008] of the #12 Penske Racing Dodge of Ryan Newman, whose primary sponsor is Alltel.(6-6-2008)
- UPDATE 2: Industry insiders say Verizon will likely discontinue the Alltel brand, and NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston confirmed yesterday that the sanctioning body’s contract with title sponsor Sprint will not allow Verizon to re-brand Penske Racing’s #12 Alltel Dodge, driven by Ryan Newman. The contract allows Alltel to remain in the sport, as long as it does not change teams or brand names.(Motorsports Soapbox)(6-6-2008) Comment here
- Kodak makes 2008 debut on the #12: Pocono is the first of six races in which Kodak is the primary sponsor of the #12 Dodge Charger driven by Ryan Newman. Kodak also will serve as the primary sponsor for Newman's car at Chicagoland, Watkins Glen, California, New Hampshire and Atlanta.(Penske Racing), see images of the car on my #12 Team Schemes page.(6-4-2008) Comment here
- Ganassi and Penske? Preposterous: Rumors that have surfaced recently about a possible alliance between Chip Ganassi [#40,#41,#42] and Roger Penske [#2,#12,#77] in NASCAR racing, or of a possible Penske buyout of Ganassi's stock car team? Both men field Dodges in Sprint Cup racing, and at the recent Indianapolis 500, won by Ganassi driver Scott Dixon, the two pillars of the sport reportedly appeared a lot more chummy than usual. Sunday at Dover, Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing Communications, said he had read the rumors but scoffed at them. "Absolutely preposterous," Accavitti said. "That would be like putting the Hatfields and McCoys together."(Sporting News)(6-2-2008) Comment here
- Avis scheme for Newman at Pocono: #12-Ryan Newman is scheduled to be driving a special paint scheme in the Pennsylvania 500 at the Pocono Raceway August 3rd. This special red and white paint scheme features the AVIS logo on the hood, as well as the rear quarter panel. See the image on my #12 Team Schemes page.(5-2-2008)
- Newman talks contract: #12-Ryan Newman....WHAT IS YOUR STATUS AS A ‘FREE AGENT’? “I haven’t signed my contact yet. We haven’t really even talked about it yet. There are some options out there. Obviously, team wise - people who have gone public about wanting to start a fourth teams and other teams that are changing things – changing driver’s and crew chiefs and things like that. It seems to be starting earlier than it ever has – at least in the last couple years. I’m sitting happy in my seat right now, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t be happy some place else. Whatever happens with Tony (Stewart), he’s a friend of mine, and I haven’t talked to him about it. I read it on Jayski. I haven’t event gotten a phone call. Being the top of the free agent list hasn’t gotten me anywhere yet.” HAVE YOU TALKED TO OTHER TEAMS YET? “I know that there are other options out there besides my retaining my position at Penske Racing.” DO YOU HAVE AN AGENT? “I’m my agent. I went to college for four years; it’s got to pay for something.”(Dodge Motorsports)(4-26-2008) Comment here
- Newman's car too high UPDATE 2: Penske Racing's #12-Ryan Newman finished fourth in Sunday's Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, but his Dodge did not clear postrace inspection. According to Sprint Cup Series Director John Darby, the right rear of the car was too high following the Sprint Cup Series race. The car was one-eighth of an inch beyond the allotted half-inch tolerance. Any potential penalties will be announced Tuesday.(SceneDaily.com)(4-6-2008)
UPDATE - Penalty: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #12 team that competes in the Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The #12 car driven by Ryan Newman was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 12.8.1C (right rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specification; too high in post race inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. As a result, Newman and car owner Roger Penske have been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively. Crew chief Roy McCauley has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(4-8-2008)
STATEMENT: Michael Nelson's, Vice President of Operations for Penske Racing South, statement on the penalty given to the #12 team following Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Texas. "We had an issue in post-race inspection on Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. It is always our intention to follow NASCAR's rules, and we regret this mistake. We look forward to getting back to the track this week and are focused on having a strong run in the #12 Alltel Dodge at Phoenix International Raceway."(Penske Racing)(4-9-2008) Comment here
- Newman Eyes Pole Record at Atlanta Motor Speedway: #12-Ryan Newman is currently tied with Buddy Baker for pole positions at Atlanta Motor Speedway at seven each. Newman has never won from the pole, but 14 drivers have, including Baker, winning the 1979 spring race from the pole. Newman notched six consecutive poles through 2003-2005 and grabbed his seventh last year in the spring race.(AMS PR)(3-7-2008)
- Newman's dad reveals grudge vs. Purdue: If Greg Newman has anything to say about it, none of the $1.5 million his son earned for winning Sunday's Daytona 500 will be going to Purdue University. #12-Ryan Newman graduated from Purdue in 2001 with a degree in vehicle structural engineering. But his father, who made a college degree a prerequisite for supporting Ryan's racing aspirations, said Purdue doesn't deserve to share in Ryan's good fortune. Ryan was racing on weekends and won the 1999 U.S. Auto Club Silver Crown title while attending Purdue. But he wasn't recognized by the school as being a student-athlete, his father said, and thus wasn't allowed any scheduling flexibility with his assignments. "They should have helped him, but they didn't cut him any slack," Greg said. "They didn't recognize him as being a racer. Now they do." Purdue assistant athletic director Tom Schott said he wasn't sure how to respond to the elder Newman's complaints. "We have 18 varsity sports here, but we don't have varsity auto racing," Schott said.(Indianapolis Star)(2-20-2008)
- Don Miller comments about Newman's win: Monday on "SIRIUS Speedway" on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, host Dave Moody spoke with Don Miller, former president of Penske Racing and mentor to Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman.
Don Miller: "That kid (Ryan Newman) is like my son. I couldn't care more for any individual that I know. He's just a great young man. We're really close
and our two families are really close. When he does well it really makes me extremely proud and yesterday I was just proud of everybody, the whole team and all the time we've spent putting it together and making it work."
On the outlook for Penske Racing for 2008: Don Miller: "I think they're going to be pretty tough all year long. We've got our Dodge engines running really, really good. We're making some really good power and I think that the reliability is back. And I know, in looking at the tests that both Kurt [Busch] and Ryan just completed out in California and in Las Vegas, they both ran really, really good. In fact, Ryan was quickest for quite a long time there in California. So I think they're going to be pretty
tough to deal with, those two guys, all year long. And I know, with a little bit more seat time, Sam [Hornish Jr.] is going to make it, too. He's a savvy cat. He's one of those guys that you probably have to spend a little bit more time whoaing him down than you do speeding him up because he's always looking for the edge. But he'll be fine. We just need a little more time with him and giving him these three or four races to get his feet on the ground is really great."
On the teamwork shown by the Penske teams during Sunday's race:
Moody: "The team concept, the Hendrick guys have gotten it forever, the Roush-Fenway guys have come to the dance on that, and it seems like now Penske Racing has really got the concept working at long last."
Miller: "Yeah. You know, I'll be very frank with you. We struggled getting the cooperation between our two drivers a couple of years back, as you know. It was difficult because even though you are in the same building and you've got two guys who really want to win, if they don't want to work together it makes everybody's life a little bit more difficult. But over the past couple of years that Ryan and Kurt [Busch] have been running together, they have built a really strong confidence situation as far as [one saying], 'Hey, if I'm in a position to help you, you know I'm going to help you.' And people that paid attention probably saw that quite a few times last year."
"SIRIUS Speedway" airs weekdays (3-7pm/et) exclusively on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128.(Sirius PR)(2-19-2008) Comment here
- Daytona 500 Champion embarks on whirlwind media tour: After one of the most exciting Daytona 500s to date - one that saw 42 lead changes and 16 different leaders - the 2008 Daytona 500 champion will add a few more miles to his itinerary as he takes a whirlwind media tour beginning on Monday. Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge, will celebrate his victory in Sunday's "Great American Race" with several more media interviews including a few national television and radio appearances.
Monday's scheduled appearances started with the winning Daytona 500 Car Induction Ceremony at Daytona 500 Experience in the shadows of DIS and then the Champion's Breakfast where the winner will recall his victory to gathered media. Also on Monday were an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, interviews with Fox and Friends, Mike and Mike in the Morning, NASCAR Raceday and The Dan Patrick Show.
Tuesday, it's Live with Regis and Kelly, a luncheon with the New York media at the historic Waldorf Astoria and then off to Bristol, Conn., for interviews at ESPN's headquarters on SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, ESPN NEWS and ESPN.com. Newman will be on the set of NASCAR Now, ESPN’s daily NASCAR news and information program, when it airs Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6:00pm/et. Newman will discuss his victory in the Sprint Cup season opener with host Ryan Burr.
Wednesday, Newman boards a plane and it's wheels up to the West Coast and California Speedway day in Los Angeles. The whirlwind tour concludes on Thursday with various west coast radio shows.(DIS PR)(2-18-2008) Comment here
- Newman wins Daytona 500: #12-Ryan Newman won the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, getting pushed by his teammate #2-Kurt Busch for the first Daytona 500 winner for owner Roger Penske, first restrictor plate win for Penske and first ever 1-2 finish for Penske Racing in a Cup race. It is Newman's first win since Sept 18, 2005 at New Hampshire, 80 races ago and his 13th career win. #20-Tony Stewart finished 3rd, followed by #18-Kyle Busch, #41-Reed Sorenson, #19-Elliott Sadler, #9-Kasey Kahne, #7-Robby Gordon, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #16-Greg Biffle. Pole sitter #48-Jimmie Johnson got in a late wreck and finished 27th, #24-Jeff Gordon had a shock plate problem and finished 39th. Outside pole sitter, #55-Michael Waltrip led three laps early, but fell back and finished 29th. #77-Sam Hornish Jr. was the highest finishing rookie at 15th. There were 7 cautions for 23 laps and there were 42 lead changes among 16 drivers. The average speed was 152.668mph. See results at Jayski's Race Results/Awards Page
For drivers and owners points, see Jayski's Drivers/Owners Points after Dyatona page.(2-17-2008) Comment here
- Dodge re-ups with Penske and Ganassi: Dodge executives have taken team owners Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi out of the Toyota equation by signing new contracts with the two. That keeps Dodge with a four-team lineup, including Petty Enterprises and Gillett-Evernham. When Toyota first announced its NASCAR plans, there was considerable speculation that both Penske and Ganassi would eventually switch.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2008)
- An extra million for Newman and the team: Teammates #12-Ryan Newman and #2-Kurt Busch gave Dodge its first ever 1-2 sweep in NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 500, winning the 50th running of the “Great American Race” Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. The Dodge Charger domination didn’t stop there. Six of the first eight positions were filled by Dodge drivers. Reed Sorenson finished fourth, Elliott Sadler fifth, Kasey Kahne sixth and Robby Gordon seventh. Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli met with Dodge team owners earlier Sunday and announced there would be a $1 million bonus for a Dodge victory. During a meeting with several members of the motorsports press later in the day, he predicted a Dodge victory. It was Newman’s first Daytona 500 victory and snapped an 81-race winless streak. He led four times for eight laps in the #12 Alltel Dodge Charger, but the most important was the final circuit. The win was also the first Daytona 500 victory for car owner Roger Penske, the most successful owner in open wheel history with 14 Indianapolis 500 victories. It was the first Daytona 500 win by a Dodge driver since Ward Burton visited victory lane in 2002. Newman collected $1,506,045 for the win plus the $1 million bonus from Dodge. Newman’s Dodge Charger will be inducted into the Daytona 500 Experience Monday where it will remain on display for one year. Following the induction ceremonies, Newman departs for New York for a media tour and then on to Las Angeles on Tuesday afternoon for more appearances.(Dodge Motorsports PR)(2-18-2008) Comment here
- New Young Guns Named: #07-Clint Bowyer and #11-Denny Hamlin are the latest additions to the Gillette Young Guns program. The pair join #2-Kurt Busch, #12-Ryan Newman, #99-Carl Edwards and #9-Kasey Kahne as clean-shaven drivers in the campaign. #48-Jimmie Johnson and #26-Jamie McMurray are no longer participating in the program. The company is unveiling a new ad campaign featuring the drivers with WWE veteran John Cena attempting to teach the group to wrestle. Cena learned to drive a Sprint Cup car as part of a reality television show last summer. The Gillette program is entering its fifth season.(SceneDaily.com) Comment here.
- Kodak back with Newman in 2008: been told Kodak will be the primary sponsor for #12-Ryan Newman for six races: Pocono - June 8; Chicago - July 12; Watkins Glen - Aug 10; California - Aug 31; New Hampshire - Sept 14; Atlanta - Oct 26. See an image of the car on the #12 Team Schemes page.(Kodak))(1-16-2008) Comment here
- ran the #02 in 2000-2001 changed to #12 when the #12 Mobil One team folded
See past news on the old #12 Mobil One Ford Penske team here
