Stewart Haas Racing Notes from the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour: #10-Danica Patrick will not be using #14-Tony Stewart's owners points to start the year. Stewart said, "I worked hard for my points" and believes Patrick will be fine. The #10 team finished the 2012 season 33rd in owners points but been told those owners points will be used for Tommy Baldwin's #7 team with driver Dave Blaney. Baldwin will use the #36 owners points for his 2nd team, car #36 [unknwon driver/plans]. So the #10 car goes into the season with no owners points and Partick will have to make the races via speed. There is no top-35 or guaranteed spots in 2013, but owners points will used for 6 cars each race for provisional starting spots 37th thru 42nd and poosibly the 43rd spot.
Patrick has not finalized a deal to run any Nationwide Series races in 2013 but is hoping to do a 10 race deal with Turner Scott Motorsports.
As for Stewart running the 2013 Indy 500 for Penske Racing, he has open invitation for Indy 500 from Roger Penske, but has no plans to do so in 2013.
On the sponsor front for SHR the #14 has nine races open without a primary, the #39 of Ryan Newman has 8-9 races open for a primary sponsor and #10-Patrick has three racesopen for a primary sponsor.
Stewart said the Eldora Speedway Truck Race that will run on the dirt, is close to a sellout, with 16,000 reserved seats sold and about 600 left with 1000 general admission going on sale this week.(1-21-2013)

Races [12] that the US Army is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Daytona - 2/26
Auto Club - 3/25, ROTC
Texas - 4/14
Richmond - 4/28, Reserve
Charlotte - 5/27
Michigan - 6/17
New Hampshire - 7/15, ROTC
Watkins Glen - 8/12
Atlanta - 9/2, Medicine
Dover - 9/30
Talladega - 10/7
Homestead - 11/18

Race [10] that Quicken Loans is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Las Vegas - 3/11
Bristol - 3/18
Dover - 6/3
Infineon - 6/24, w/Children's Tumor Foundation
Indianapolis - 7/29
Richmond - 9/8
Charlotte - 10/13. featuring Raphael the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
Martinsville - 10/28
Texas - 11/4
Phoenix - 11/11

Races [5] that Haas Automation is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Kansas - 4/22
Pocono - 6/10
Pocono - 8/5
Chicago - 9/16
Kansas - 10/21

Races [4] that WIX Filters is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Bud Shootout - Daytona - 2/18
Phoenix - 3/4
Darlington - 5/12
Michigan - 8/19

Race [2] that Outback Steakhouse is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Martinsville - 4/1
Bristol - 8/25

Races [2] that Aspen Dental is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Daytona - 7/7
New Hampshire - 9/25

Races [2] that Tornados is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Charlotte, All-Star race - 5/19
Kentucky - 6/30

Races [1] that Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2012:
Talladega - 5/6

Newman wins NMPA Spirit Award: Members of the National Motorsports Press Association have selected NASCAR Sprint Cup driver #39-Ryan Newman as the fourth quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is determined by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association membership. Newman was recognized for hosting the 8th Annual Charity Dinner and Auction and annual fishing tournament in December, raising funds for animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. The evening featured entertainment from Nashville singer/songwriters and NASCAR drivers and raised more than $340,000. Newman helped raise awareness of a memorial fund after crewman Andy Rueger lost his son in an ATV accident on Nov. 22. Clint Bowyer, Andy Hillenburg and Brad Keselowski are also quarterly winners this year. The 2012 winner will be announced on Jan. 20.(NMPA)(12-20-2012)

Newman Foundation Raises Over $340,000 at Annual Charity Events: The 8th Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Dinner and Auction and 7th Annual Charity Fishing Tournament raised over $340,000 for its animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. The dinner, presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, was held at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, North Carolina on Friday, December 7th. Local ABC affiliate WSOC News Anchor Blair Miller emceed the evening's festivities. Two of country music's talented singer/song writers provided the evening's entertainment. Tim Dugger and Grammy Nominee Eric Paslay took to the stage in front of the sold out crowd of 520 sponsors, NASCAR drivers, professional anglers and fans.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and participate in the "Fishing for Fun" Raffle. The big items included a John Deere Gator and a Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV along with many once in a lifetime race weekend and country music industry experiences. Returning this year were hand-painted dog/cat bowls and treat jars painted by the employees of the Ryan Newman Foundation and Ryan Newman Motorsports. Money raised from the pottery auction will be used to help vaccinate and sterilize dogs and cats in the surrounding area.
The event had a country winter theme and was managed by JHE Productions of Harrisburg, NC. New additions included an outside Presenting Sponsor VIP tent fit for a Kim Kardashian herself. The area provided plush white couches and glass tables with all the right touches for guests to relax and mingle with Ryan and Krissie before the doors opened to the public.
A mammoth ice sculpture was the feature attraction hosting a dog, cat, fish and deer circling the Foundation logo and was surrounded by a large candy bar that was transformed into a dessert bar after dinner. Guests also walked the red carpet and took photos with Ryan and Krissie and the photo booths were a crowd favorite for the second year in a row.
Bass Pro Shops and Bassmaster presented the charity fishing tournament hosting 148 teams, all competing for a Nitro Z9 Bass Boat equipped with a motor, trolling motor, electronics and matching trailer. Lake levels were extremely low, but the anglers unloaded and took to the water from Blythe Landing on Lake Norman in Huntersville, NC. Four-time Bassmaster Champion and seven-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam and Bassmaster Elite Series emcee and Outdoor Channel host Mark Zona were the tournament emcees for the second year in a row. The two kept the participants and the crowd on their feet while the anglers weighed-in. Kevin even signed autographs for fans prior to weigh-in at the Bass Pro Shops display.
This year's tournament winners were Travis Rulle from Huntersville, NC and his father Don Rulle from Longmont, CO. They weighed in five fish for a total weight of 16 pounds and 4 ounces. "Krissie and I appreciate everyone who participates in the fishing tournament," said Ryan Newman. "The weather was perfect or as Kevin said, we had Chamber of Commerce Weather. The 70 degree day didn't make the fishing any better though. December is tough and normally our tournament takes anywhere from 11 – 16 pounds to win and that's what we got with Travis and his dad. It declined rapidly after that. I am glad Kevin and Mark were able to make it back this year because I think the angers and fans watching enjoy their banter back and forth on stage with the fishermen."
Second place trophies were taken home by Cliff Kirby from Catawba, NC and Rick Dunstan from Pinehurst, NC weighing in five fish at 12 pounds, 12 ounces. Third place went to Shane LeHew from Charlotte, NC and Adam Yates from Denver, NC. They had five weighing in at 12 pounds, 7 ounces.
Outback Steakhouse, who is a primary sponsor on Ryan's #39 Stewart-Haas Chevy, hosted a rib and chicken dinner to over 400 anglers and fans. Sponsors of the event and local businesses were given the opportunity to meet with the public, sample products and give out information and items from their companies.
John Deere had their newest products on display, Oral B gave away bags of toothpaste and Kraft Foods sampled Oreo and Ritz products. Other venders included: Visit Lake Norman, Humane Society of Iredell County, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Silpada Jewelry, Parks Chevrolet, PhDs Woodworking and the Ryan Newman Foundation. Kids had their own area to play in with lots of free giveaways, games and inflatable's to enjoy while listening to live music provided by WAME Radio in Statesville. Over 1,000 people visited the boat ramp to show their support of the annual tournament.
While the anglers were on the water, Ryan hosted a luncheon cruise on a luxury yacht. This was a nice way for sponsors to see the beautiful scenery Lake Norman has to offer and view some of the teams attempting to reel that big one in. "I didn't know what to think of the yacht event, but it turned out to be a good thing for our sponsors," said Newman. "Fishing isn't like a golf tournament. It can be frustrating and you have to have patience, and most of all, be up at the crack of dawn which most people don't want to do after our event. It was a good way for them to have some one on one time with me and check out Lake Norman. It's something I think we'll do again next year."(Ryan Newman Foundation), see more and photos at ryannewmanfoundation.org.(12-15-2012)

WIX Filters, Outback Steakhouse, Aspen Dental & Code 3 Associates to sponsor Newman: Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has signed extensions with four of its partners through 2013 that will account for a total of 10 races on the #39 Chevy driven by Ryan Newman in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. WIX Filters, Outback Steakhouse, Aspen Dental and Code 3 Associates will all return as primary sponsors of Newman and the #39 team in 2013, joining Quicken Loans, the nation's largest online mortgage lender. Quicken Loans announced in October that it will be the primary sponsor of Newman and the #39 team for 18 races in 2013, up from nine races in 2012.
· WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, has been a partner of SHR since the team's inception in 2009, growing from a product supplier to a primary sponsor. In 2013, WIX Filters will be on the #39 Chevrolet for three races – March 24 at Auto Club Speedway, July 14 at New Hampshire and Oct. 20 at Talladega. "WIX is looking forward to another action-packed season of NASCAR with Stewart-Haas Racing," said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. "Our brand has a rich heritage as an advocate of racing and is a regular in victory lane at the highest levels in motorsports, and what we learn on the racetrack is applied directly to the technology we provide to our customers."
· Award-winning Outback Steakhouse, with more than 750 locations nationwide, will adorn the #39 Chevrolet for three races in 2013 – April 27 at Richmond, July 6 at Daytona and Nov. 3 at Texas. And the company's well-received "Bloomin' Monday" promotion will continue in 2013, where after a top-10 finish by Newman, a free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse is available to customers on the Monday immediately following the race. "We are excited to continue our partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman for 2013," said Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer, Outback Steakhouse. "Bloomin' Monday is the perfect program to give fans two things they are passionate about – Bloomin' Onions® and NASCAR. We hope to give away thousands of Bloomin' Onions again this year when the No. 39 finishes in the top-10."
· Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the United States, will serve as a two-race primary sponsor for Newman and the #39 team during the May 18 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte and the Aug. 11 road-course race at Watkins Glen. Watkins Glen will serve as a home race for Aspen Dental, as the company is based in nearby Syracuse, N.Y., and has more than 330 locations in 22 states. "We're very proud to continue our partnership with one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR," said Mary Boysman, vice president of brand marketing and advertising at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. "Like our partners at Stewart-Haas Racing, our team at Aspen Dental is driven by a strong commitment to quality, training and teamwork."
· Code 3 Associates, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in animal rescue and recovery in disaster areas, will be represented by Newman and the #39 team as a primary sponsor during the Sprint Cup Series' two stops at Kansas Speedway, April 21 and Oct. 6, respectively. The group's logo and slogan, "Riders On The Storm Animal Rescue Team" appear familiar to many in the Kansas market, as Code 3 Associates has been dispatched to numerous Midwestern areas in the aftermath of recent natural disasters. "We're thrilled to be back with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman, who are recognized for their leadership and performance on and off the track," said Eric Bagdikian, president, Code 3 Associates. "Both drivers are generous supporters of animal rescue and welfare, with each of their foundations specializing in this cause. This initiative with Stewart-Haas Racing has greatly raised the profile of our collective mission, which is to provide animal rescue and recovery in the immediate aftermath of a disaster."
Stewart, who enters his fifth year as a NASCAR team owner in 2013 and 15th as a driver in the elite Sprint Cup Series, places a high value on each of these partnerships. "Obviously, we're very proud to have WIX Filters, Outback Steakhouse, Aspen Dental and Code 3 Associates back with our race team," said Stewart, the three-time Sprint Cup champion who will drive the No. 14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevrolet throughout the 2013 Sprint Cup season. "We work really hard to deliver on the racetrack, but we work just as hard to understand each one of our sponsor's businesses so we can help them accomplish the goals they have, be it in racing or with their customers. It's great seeing these partnerships grow, and we look forward to another year of success with each of them."(SHR)(11-29-2012)

Son of Newman's crewman killed in ATV accident: info added: A Salisbury family is grieving after their 7-year-old son was killed in an ATV accident outside their home on Thursday. On Friday, family friends said the boy's father, Andy Rueger, is a crew member for NASCAR driver #39-Ryan Newman. They said 7-year-old Bryce Rueger used to ride around the yard all the time on the family's ATV, often with his father. They said he was familiar with the machine and that Rueger stressed safety with his children. Andy Rueger works as the gas man for Newman, and the NASCAR driver said Friday that they're working on setting up a memorial fund.(WWOC)(11-24-2012)
For services info and to sign a guest book, go to cavin-cook.com and to help the family, go to the Bryce Rueger Memorial Fund page.(11-25-2012)

A Final Thank You and Farewell to the U.S. Army: This weekend will mark the final race for the U.S. Army as sponsor of the #39 Chevy of Ryan Newman. The U.S. Army announced in July that it would not return to Stewart Haas Racing or the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the 2013 season. The U.S. Army was the first partner announced for Newman's #39 entry when SHR was formed in 2009.(SHR)(11-16-2012)

Stewart comments on Harvick rumor: #14-Tony Stewart, met with members of the media at Phoenix International Raceway and discussed future plans for SHR, the transcript in part:
Q) DO YOU HAVE A RESPONSE TO THE STORY THAT KEVIN HARVICK WILL JOIN STEWART-HAAS RACING IN 2014?
Tony Stewart: "Well, it's actually Dale, Jr. (SMILES BROADLY). And Marty Smith (ESPN Television personality and website reporter) is actually going to be in the fourth car. Yes, that's where we are at. (SMILES BROADLY) I will tell you this, when we have something to tell you guys, we'll tell you. I've always said that. You guys can throw darts, but when we have something to tell you that's different than what we've got going on, we'll obviously tell you."(Team Chevy)(11-9-2012)

Harvick to leave RCR after 2013 and head to SHR: For each of his 12 seasons in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Kevin Harvick has driven for Richard Childress Racing. That will change in 2014. Multiple NASCAR industry sources confirmed to ESPN.com Friday that Harvick has signed a multiyear agreement to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning with the 2014 season. Harvick will remain at RCR in the #29 Chevy for the 2013 campaign, sources said. "I'm looking forward to finishing out this season on a strong note with RCR and continuing to build our program going into the 2013 season with the ultimate goal of winning a championship," Harvick told ESPN.com Friday at Phoenix International Raceway, when he was asked about his future. "Anything beyond that, once I know what my future plans are set, I'll let you know." Under Stewart-Haas' current plan, sources said, Harvick will drive a fourth SHR Chevrolet, teaming with #14-Tony Stewart, #39-Ryan Newman and #10-Danica Patrick to form a four-car stable. "Stewart-Haas Racing's driver lineup is all set for 2013, but if you're talking about 2014 and if Kevin Harvick is available, that's something the team would have to look at," SHR team spokesman Mike Arning said. "Any team in this garage would do the same. From the moment Stewart-Haas Racing was formed, becoming a four-car team is something it's been striving for. They have the infrastructure to accommodate a fourth team, and if everything aligns properly, it's something they'll do. So, if a driver the caliber of Kevin Harvick is available, it's something they would pursue."(ESPN)(11-9-2012)

Stewart-Haas announces 2013 crew chief lineup: With an eye on 2013, Stewart-Haas Racing is restructuring its team lineup beginning with the Sprint Cup Series race weekend at Martinsville. Tony Gibson, currently the crew chief of the #39 U.S. Army/Quicken Loans team of driver Ryan Newman, will move to the #10 GoDaddy.com team of driver Danica Patrick. Gibson will get a jump start on the 2013 season by serving as Patrick's crew chief during her last two Sprint Cup races of the 2012 season - Nov. 4 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth and Nov. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway. Matt Borland, currently the vice president of competition for SHR, will add to his duties by returning to the role of crew chief when he takes over the #39 team beginning at Martinsville. Borland served as Newman's crew chief for five years when the two were together at Penske Racing (2002-2006), earning 12 wins and 37 poles. The 2013 structure of the #14 Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 team of driver/owner Tony Stewart and crew chief Steve Addington will remain unchanged from 2012.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(10-20-2012)

400th Cup start for Newman:This weekend, Newman will become the 51st driver to make his 400th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. The #39 Code 3 Associates Chevy will carry a special decal commemorating Newman's accomplishment. Newman is the third driver this season to mark career start 400 . #36-Dave Blaney did it at Las Vegas in March and #29-Kevin Harvick's came at Martinsville in April.(Stewart-Haas Racing), see an image of the car on the #39 Team Schemes page.

Crew chief Gibson talks about Newman's engine change: #39-Ryan Newman will start at the rear of the field in Saturday's race at CHarlotte due to engine change. #39 Crew Chief, Tony Gibson was asked about it.
Q) YOU QUALIFIED THIRD, BUT THIS DOESN'T LOOK GOOD. WHAT'S THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR?
Gibson: "Something happened there. We started off in Happy Hour to make a long run and we got about six laps into it and it started tightening up on him (Ryan Newman) pretty good, so he shut it off and came in (to garage) and there is definitely something big wrong. I'm not sure what, but all the guys from Hendricks will figure out what's wrong and we'll put another one in it and will be good to go tomorrow. It's too bad when you've got the track position, but that's part of it and we'll get after it. I know they'll figure out what happened and we'll get another motor in it and we'll be fine."(Team Chevy)(10-13-2012)

Teenage Mutant Ninjas Turtles on the #39 at Charlotte: #39-Ryan Newman is known for his ninja-fast qualifying laps, and now he has a new weapon to help bring home the victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway - Raphael, the tough guy and brawler of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Turtles. Nickelodeon announced that Newman will be driving a special #39 Quicken Loans Chevy featuring Raphael the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle for the Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13, 2012. The famous turtles - Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo -- will bring their fast-action, high-adventure style of fun to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a weekend of family entertainment.(Victory Management Group)(10-5-2012)

Sponsorship announcement for Stewart Haas: UPDATES: Stewart Haas Racing is expected to announce sponsorship for Ryan Newman Tuesday and likely will include existing nine-race sponsor Quicken Loans, according to those with knowledge of the announcement. Newman is losing the U.S. Army's 12-race sponsorship after this season. He re-signed with the team in early September even though it had not announced any sponsors for 2013. Stewart himself needs a sponsor to replace Office Depot and its 22 races for next season. Several sources indicated that SHR is talking with Bass Pro Shops and an announcement could come as early as late next week. Bass Pro Shops already is an associate sponsor of the organization and has been on the hood of Newman's car for a couple of races. A Bass Pro spokesman said last week the company had no comment on the speculation of the company sponsoring SHR.(Sporting News)(9-29-2012)
UPDATE: Quicken Loans, the nation's largest online mortgage lender, announced that it will double down on its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series. Through the new agreement, Quicken Loans will serve as Newman's primary sponsor for 18 Sprint Cup races in 2013, marking the majority of the season. When not the primary sponsor, the company will be an associate sponsor on Newman's Chevrolet. Additionally, Quicken Loans will remain as an associate sponsor on the #14 Mobil 1 Chevy driven by three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart throughout the 2013 season. The company also announced details of its newly launched Skip-a-Year Sweepstakes, which will pay up to five entrants' mortgages for a full year. "We were not sure what to expect with the 2012 season being our first in the sport," said Jay Farner, President and Chief Marketing Officer for Quicken Loans. "What we quickly found was that NASCAR fans are tremendously passionate and loyal to the brands that help drive their sport. It was their commitment to our company that ultimately allowed us to significantly increase our involvement with the sport, Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman." In 2012, Quicken Loans is a primary sponsor for nine races with Newman and the #39 team, while also maintaining an associate sponsorship with Stewart.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(10-2-2012)
UPDATE 2: SHR also is working on a potential deal with Bass Pro Shops to replace some of the 22 races left open on Tony Stewart's car after Office Depot announced plans to leave the sport after this season. "It's a huge first step in filling in a couple of large voids,'' Stewart said of expanding the sponsorship of Quicken Loans. "Hopefully, that will have a domino effect. "We're really close to getting Ryan's races sold. We're still working on getting mine taken care of. We feel we have a couple of good leads that hopefully will get done before the end of the year.'' The good news for Newman is his car is almost fully sponsored, with Wix Filters, Outback Steakhouse and Aspen Dental expected to return. He said getting Quicken Loans on the car for 18 races gives him more confidence that his one-year deal for next season could become more long-term.(ESPN)(10-3-2012)

Newman's crew and crew chief to Danica? UPDATE: Danica Patrick will be in good hands when she runs her first full season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2013. Stewart Haas Racing is looking to support Patrick with the veteran crew (chief Tony Gibson and the squad) that currently services the #39 team and Ryan Newman. "That's what we're looking at," says Patrick's current Cup crew chief and SHR Competition Director Greg Zipadelli. "We sat down and talked with all the guys about it, and we just feel that they're a real solid group of people. They have great attitudes, pretty upbeat. We feel like that's the best thing to do is surround Danica with a really great group of people that don't normally make mistakes. They don't have issues. I look at them as generally, their glasses are always half-full. I think that's the best thing for her." Zipadelli has a short list of crew chiefs for Newman but considering that most are still under contract with other teams he elected not to comment.(Fox Sports)(9-29-2012)
UPDATE: They are a veteran group and Gibson's easygoing demeanor would work well with Patrick and the media spotlight. And Newman seems OK with the potential change. "I wouldn't say I would be upset," Newman said. "I think a lot of (Gibson) as a person. We've had success on the racetrack and we've struggled on the racetrack." Newman said if he could get his crew chief in before the end of the season, that would be beneficial but it would need to be most of the crew he'd be working with in 2013. That could be difficult as SHR needs to hire extra people for the addition of a car. "Nothing has been decided yet-we're just talking about different options and trying to evaluate how we can make our program better next year," team co-owner Tony Stewart said.(Sporting News)(10-2-2012)

Three pit crews make it to the track after flight delay: Pit crews for Richard Childress Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and JTG Daugherty Racing were on a tight schedule for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Blame it on problems with a scheduled flight to bring them to the track. The crew members were scheduled to reach the track about 10:00am/et. However, mechanical issues at their Concord, N.C., departure point forced them to change planes, delaying their arrival for the race. They reached the track about 12:50pm/et with a rush job ahead. Team owner Richard Childress said Miami Air, whom he charters with for the race-day flights, was able to get another plane to carry the crews. The plane landed shortly before 12:00pm/et in Manchester, N.H., about 25 miles from the track. Vehicles carrying the crew members were expected to get a police escort to make it through the traffic. Reaching the track would be no easy assignment. Typically traffic would be heavy with a crowd of about 90,000 people expected at a track with only one main entrance on a road that is converted from two lanes to four lanes using the shoulder for the race.(Sporting News)(9-23-2012)

Aspen Dental returns to sponsor Newman: Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the country, will serve as the primary sponsor of Stewart Haas Racing's #39 team and driver Ryan Newman at New Hampshire and for the second time this season. The first was in the July race at Daytona where Newman finished fifth – his first top-10 finish at the 2.5-mile superspeedway since his 2008 victory in the Daytona 500. When not serving as primary sponsor, the dental center that offers affordable, high-quality care is an associate sponsor on the #39 Chevy. Each month, a happy Aspen Dental patient's photo is featured on the rear quarter panel of the #39 Chevy. The patient is selected to have his or her smile featured on the car based on a review he or she wrote at AspenDentalReviews.com. Jack Campbell of Manchester, N.H., is featured on the #39 this weekend (SHR), see images of the scheme/car on my #39 Team Schemes page.(9-19-2012)

Workshops for Warriors featured on Newman's car at Chicago: Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy carries a special paint scheme this weekend that recognizes an organization whose goal is to assist veterans in job training and helps them create the best post-military-service life possible. It's called Workshops for Warriors and it was founded in San Diego, Calif., by U.S. Navy veteran Hernán Luis y Prado, who recognized and acted upon the need to help veterans find jobs after leaving military service. The Gene Haas Foundation, formed in 1999 by SHR co-owner Gene Haas, has announced a grant of $50,000 to Workshops for Warriors, which assists the transition of veterans and injured veterans into civilian life through mentorship, training, and education. In addition to the grant, Haas Automation has also entrusted the program with four Haas-CNC machines and made a donation of eight training simulators with a value of $444,000 to Workshops for Warriors. The money and the machines will be used to establish a machinist training program for military veterans. Workshops for Warriors is a board-governed nonprofit organization that provides vocational training to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(9-12-2012)

Newman re-signs with Stewart Haas UPDATES Ryan Newman has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Stewart-Haas Racing. The extension will ensure Newman is the driver of SHR's #39 Chevy through the end of the 2013 season. Newman and SHR have been involved in negotiations for several weeks. An official announcement from the team could come as soon as this weekend.(Charlotte Observer)
UPDATE: Newman has agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the team, a Stewart-Haas Racing spokesman confirmed Thursday.(Sporting News)(9-6-2012)
UPDATE 2: Ryan Newman confirmed Thursday he has signed a contract extension with Stewart-Haas Racing for next season. Newman is in the final year of the deal he signed in 2009. The extension is a one-year agreement, and he said he took a cut in pay just as nearly every driver has of late. "I think in general everybody out there right now has taken a pay cut," Newman said. "No different than the cost of a seat in the grandstands is down. It all correlates." Newman said he isn't aware of any signed sponsors for next season on his #39 Chevy. "I feel fairly confident that we'll have good branding on the car," he said. "I can't sit here and say exactly who it is going to be and how it's going to lay out and what race they're going to be at. I can tell you this for sure - it's going to be multiple sponsorships."(Associated Press)(9-7-2012)

Code 3 Associates, who will sponsor the #39 at Kansas, helps Hurricane Isaac victims: Code 3 Associates, Inc., a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Longmont, Colorado, has been deployed at the request of, and in cooperation with, the Louisiana State Animal Request Team (LASART). The initial response will be to stage in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Officials in McComb, Louisiana are warning the 50,000 to 60,000 residents, who could be impacted, of the likelihood of an imminent breech of the Lake Tangipahoa Dam. Initial tasking needs expressed by officials could include both animal and human water rescue operations, which the team is trained in, and certified for. Code 3's full-time four person disaster response team left Longmont at approximately 11:00am this morning with their 83 foot tractor trailer, named BART (Big Animal Rescue Truck). BART carries the rescue team's safety equipment, animal rescue equipment, and both land and water based rescue vehicles. Additionally, BART is designed and equipped to support nine people in a zero resource environment for up to ten days. The Ryan Newman Foundation is working closely with Code 3 as they determine what areas and animal organizations affected by the hurricane need help. Pet food and supplies will be shipped out as early as next week. To make a donation towards supplies visit ryannewmanfoundation.org and click the "donate" tab. For more information on Code 3 visit code3associates.org.(9-1-2012)

Newman could break pole record: #39-Ryan Newman sits tied with Buddy Baker with seven poles at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Should Newman win the pole for the AdvoCare 500, he would break the tie and become the all-time leader with eight as well as log 50 career NSCS poles, putting him ninth on the all-time Cup poles in NASCAR.(AMS)(8-31-2012)

U.S. Army Medicine Colors for Newman at Atlanta: This weekend, Ryan Newman will carry the ArmyMedicine logo on the hood of his #39 Chevy. Army Health Care is always in need of talented health care professionals and can offer young Americans experience and training unmatched in the private sector, as well as access to comprehensive financial and educational assistance. ArmyMedicine residents and physicians practice in state-of-the-art facilities, using advanced equipment and leading-edge technology (SHR)(8-30-2012)

Outback returns to the #39 car: Award-winning Outback Steakhouse, with 750 stores nationwide, is the primary sponsor of SHR's #39 Chevy and Ryan Newman this weekend at Bristol. This will be Outback's second race as the team's primary sponsor for Newman. In their first outing together at Martinsville April 1, Newman and Outback went to victory lane. In addition to Outback Steakhouse sponsoring the #39 Chevy, the company will also be doing something special for fans attending the Bristol race. Outback will be placing car flags in each of the approximately 160,000 seats at Bristol Motor Speedway. Attached to each flag will be a $10 coupon good at any Outback Steakhouse restaurant. There will also be instructions for the fans to wave their flags when the race goes green and during each "green flag restart" in support of "Bloomin' Mondays." All season long, when Newman finishes in the top-10, fans get a free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse on the Monday immediately following the race. All they have to do is mention Newman's top-10 (SHR). See images of the #39 Outback scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(8-23-2012)

Code 3 Associates will sponsor Newman at Kansas: Code 3 Associates, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in animal rescue and recovery in disaster areas, has formed a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing. Made possible by a benefactor with interests in animal-related causes, Code 3 Associates will be the primary sponsor of SHR's #39 team and driver Ryan Newman throughout the Hollywood Casino 400 race weekend Oct. 17-21 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. Formed in 1985, Colorado-based Code 3 Associates is a national response team that at the request of local government officials provides animal rescue and recovery during any kind of disaster. The organization has evolved from one unpaid volunteer to at least 75 professional responders around the country, which includes animal welfare, law enforcement, fire, EMS and veterinary specialists from the United States and Canada. While its focus is animals and their owners, Code 3 Associates trains its responders to the standards of human rescue, and Code 3 Associates also provides training to conduct thorough investigations into animal welfare, all of which is accredited by Colorado State University (CSU) and the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.(True Speed Communications/Stewart-Hass), see an image of the car on the #39 team paint schemes page.(8-17-2012)

Newman / SHR announcement next week? UPDATE denied
#39-Ryan Newman is expected to remain at Stewart-Haas Racing with additional support from sponsor Quicken Loans. An announcement could come as early as next week.(FoxSports)(8-13-2012)
UPDATE: A team spokesman said Monday that no announcement is scheduled, but reiterated that the team is focused on re-signing Newman and new sponsors. "Negotiations regarding retaining Ryan Newman as the driver of the #39 car are ongoing, as are discussions with various brands to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and the #39 team," SHR spokesman Mike Arning said in an email. "Stewart-Haas Racing continues to negotiate with one driver and one driver only for the #39 car, and that driver is Ryan Newman."(Sporting News)(8-14-2012)

Newman focused on staying with Stewart Haas: Ryan Newman says he is 100 percent focused on staying at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2013, not returning to Penske Racing. The #22 at Penske Racing became available for next season on Tuesday when the team released suspended driver AJ Allmendinger. Newman, who drove for Penske Racing from 2002 until 2008, said he has not contacted his former team about a possible return if sponsorship can't be found for him at SHR. SHR owner Tony Stewart has said he wants Newman back as long as sponsorship can be found. "There's potential for absolutely anything,'' Newman said after Saturday's qualifying at Pocono Raceway. "My goal is to stay at Stewart-Haas and continue what we're doing. We're working on that.'' Asked to define the odds of his staying at SHR, Newman added, "Right now, 100 percent, I hope."(ESPN.com)(8-4-2012)

Quicken Loans returns as #39 sponsor - Win One for Baby: Quicken Loans, Inc., the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender, will be the primary sponsor of Stewart-Haas Racing's #39 Chevy. Quicken Loans is sponsoring nine races in 2012.When not serving as a primary sponsor, Quicken Loans is an associate sponsor. Additionally, Quicken Loans is an associate sponsor on the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet Impala of Tony Stewart throughout the 2012 Sprint Cup season. Newman became a father for the second time during the off week when wife Krissie gave birth to daughter Ashlyn Olivia on July 16 at 12:20 p.m. Both Stewart-Haas Racing cars will carry a special decal at Indianapolis to honor the birth of the Newmans' new daughter and first daughter Brooklyn's new little sister (SHR), see images of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(7-27-2012)

Stewart says he will have three teams in 2013: #14-Tony Stewart, driver of the #14-Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy and owners of Steweart-Haas Racing (#14, #10-Patrick & #39-Newman) was the guest on the NASCAR Weekly Teleconference. Below is the transcript in part, dealing with the loss of the U.S. Army on the #39 Chevy of Ryan Newman and plans for 2013:
: Q. With U.S. Army now leaving a few weeks ago, where does that leave you as far as commitments with new sponsorship for your team next year?
Stewart: We're working on it, it's definitely still a setback but --
Q. Is it your hope to have three cars next year? Stewart: Yes, and it has been since we signed Danica.
Q. On the sponsorship deal, last year at this time it seemed like the environment was changing a little bit and maybe getting a little bit better and if you're still seeing that kind of thing and what it's like out there now in terms of what kinds of things you're having to do to get sponsors now that maybe you were or were not last year at this time.
Stewart: Well, I still think it's gaining momentum. We have been able to bring in Aspen Dental and Quicken Loans on board and those are two companies that had not been a part of NASCAR racing in the past. I'm pretty proud of that side of it. You know, it was definitely a huge disappointment that we were going to lose the U.S. Army. But it's not something that we have had a lot of at Stewart Haas Racing, we have not lost a lot of partners. And especially a group like U.S. Army, they have been a lot of fun to work with and they been a very dedicated group and have been very involved with what the race team is doing and very such pore at this point. We are going to miss out having them on board next year. But I still think it's coming around. There's a lot of new companies that we are seeing in the sport, and we are seeing that in our organization. So we are not giving up hope and throwing in the towel thinking that we are losing one sponsor; we are going to hopefully be able to try to find somebody else.(Team Chevy)(7-25-2012)

Congrats to the Newmans: from Ryan Newman's site: Krissie and I welcomed Ashlyn Olivia today at 12:20 p.m. Mom and baby are doing well.(7-16-2012)

U.S. Army ROTC Colors for Newman at New Hampshire: This weekend, Ryan Newman will carry the Army ROTC logo on the hood of his #39 Stewart Haas Racing Chevy. The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps - ROTC - provides young Americans with unparalleled educational and leadership opportunities. The Army provides more scholarships than any other institution in the Nation. With ROTC, tuition is paid for and, upon graduation at the end of four years, participants are commissioned as an Army officer.(SHR), see an image of the car on my #39 Team Schemes page.(7-12-2012)

Army to leave NASCAR as sponsor after 2012 season: The U.S. Army has decided not to renew its sponsorship with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2013 as a primary sponsor of the #39 Chevy driven by Ryan Newman due to a reallocation of its marketing budget that will not include a presence in NASCAR. SHR is actively pursuing a strong brand to partner with the team and its roster of sponsors that also includes Office Depot, Mobil 1, Quicken Loans, GoDaddy.com, Haas Automation, Chevrolet, WIX Filters, Outback Steakhouse, Aspen Dental, Tornados, Coca-Cola, Oreo, Ritz, Bass Pro Shops and Code 3 Associates.
Brett Frood, Executive Vice President, Stewart-Haas Racing: "The U.S. Army has been a great partner of Stewart-Haas Racing since the team's inception. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship, with the U.S. Army introducing training regimens that improved our pit crews while instilling the mental, physical and emotional strength of the U.S. Army Soldier in all of us. We remain very proud of our representation of the U.S. Army and its brave Soldiers who are 100 percent committed to our country. We will continue to activate on behalf of the U.S. Army for the rest of 2012, while also growing our other dynamic partnerships at Stewart-Haas Racing for the future."
John Myers, Director, Marketing Support Element, Army Marketing and Research Group: "The U.S. Army has worked with Stewart-Haas Racing in a mutually beneficial and highly successful relationship for the past four seasons, and they've performed superbly as our partner on and off the track. The same can be said of other members of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series family we have sponsored during the past 10 seasons. The sport, our drivers and the passionate NASCAR fans embraced the Army's participation and created a tremendous opportunity for Americans to learn more about the profession of the Army Strong Soldier."(SHR)(7-10-2012)
U.S. Rep. McCollum Comments: U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum has won her two-year fight to get the Army to "stop wasting taxpayer dollars" on sponsoring a NASCAR racing team. The Army announced Tuesday that it would stop sponsoring the Stewart-Haas Racing team. The sponsorships were supposed to be a recruiting tool, but McCollum had argued it's an ineffective one. See McCollum's press release on the issue at the Pioneer Press and another at USA Today.
Army to return to NHRA Army officials are in the process of signing a contract extension with Don Schumacher Racing through 2013 to continue the long-running sponsorship of the Top Fuel dragster for seven-time NHRA champion Tony Schumacher. "That's our intent," said John Myers, director of marketing support for the Army Marketing and Research Group. "The NHRA is a valuable part of our motorsports outreach portfolio. We are working on an agreement through 2013. The NHRA gives us a great return on our investment."(ESPN)
AND U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) plans to meet today with National Guard officials "to discuss their backing" of the Hendrick Motorsports #88 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr.(in part from Sports Business Daily)(7-11-2012)

The #39 scheme to support Children's Tumor Foundation: At Sonoma, Ryan Newman will drive the #39 Quicken Loans/Children's Tumor Foundation Chevy in hopes of raising money through donations to www.fuelthecure.org for the Children's Tumor Foundation. Newman's sponsor, Quicken Loans, has a particularly close tie to the Children's Tumor Foundation as Nick Gilbert, the 15-year-old son of company chairman and founder Dan Gilbert, has NF (Neurofibromatosis) and is the national ambassador for the charity (SHR),, see image of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(6-20-2012)

Happy 237th Birthday, U.S. Army: It was this week 237 years ago that our Nation's leaders established the Continental Army, beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great country and her citizens. Today, we celebrate the continued honor, loyalty and bravery of our Soldiers in this noble calling. The Nation's freedom rests in the hands of our Soldiers, families and civilians. Their dedication makes them the strength of our Army. This year, our Army celebrates 237 years of defending freedom and democracy around the world. To all those who serve both at home and abroad, to their families who continue to endure and to the civilians who support them, Happy Birthday. In honor of the U.S. Army's birthday, #39-Ryan Newman will participate in two cake-cutting ceremonies at Michigan. The first will be held immediately following the drivers' meeting outside the media center. The second ceremony will be held on the pre-race stage before driver introductions. This weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Ryan Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) will help celebrate the continued honor, loyalty and bravery of our Soldiers in this noble calling as Newman takes the #39 U.S. Army Chevy into the Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday.(US Army Racing)(6-14-2012)

Military sponsorships could go away..if: The sponsorships of #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. [National Guard] and #39-Ryan Newman [U.S. Army] (as well as the Air Force deal with #43-Aric Almirola) could be in jeopardy as military sponsorships of motorsports have come into question in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment Thursday to the 2013 defense appropriations bill that would prohibit funding of sponsorships of professional sports or sporting events. The amendment, passed by a voice vote and sponsored by Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), states that: "None of the funds made available in this act may be used to sponsor professional or semiprofessional motorsports, fishing, wrestling or other sports." The bill still needs to be passed by the House and then the provision would have to make it through any negotiations with leaders from the Senate and its defense appropriations bill. Last year, McCollum introduced an amendment banning motorsports sponsorships on the House floor and it was voted down 281-148.(Sporting News and USA Today)(5-18-2012)

Stewart hopes to re-sign Newman: #14-Tony Stewart would like Stewart-Haas Racing to have three full-time teams in 2013, but has not yet signed driver #39-Ryan Newman to a new deal. Newman agreed to drive for the team when Stewart became co-owner starting with the 2009 season. Newman is not yet signed for 2013. Danica Patrick is expected to drive for the team full time next season in the #10 GoDaddy.com Chevy after a 10-race Cup schedule this year. "I want him back next year," Stewart said Tuesday. "Obviously we're working on sponsorship to make sure we have got the funding to keep that going. Ryan and I are on the same page. He knows what we're trying to do and I have every intention of keeping him for next year."(Sporting News and PRN's Garage Pass)(5-17-2012)

NASCAR Issues Fines And Probation For Violations at Darlington: NASCAR has fined Kurt Busch, driver of the #51 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, $50,000 and placed him on NASCAR probation until July 25 for his actions during the May 12 race at Darlington Raceway. Kurt Busch violated Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing; reckless driving on pit road during the race; involved in an altercation with another competitor after the completion of the race) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book. Additionally, Craig Strickler, a crew member for the #51 team, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing; interfering with a member of the broadcast media).
Tony Gibson, crew chief for the #39 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, has been placed on NASCAR probation until June 27 for violating Section 12-1 and Sections 12-4G and 9-4A (Crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members). Andrew Rueger, a crew member for the #39 team, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 27 for violating Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing; failure to comply with a directive from a NASCAR official). Both of these violations occurred post-race.(NASCAR)(5-15-2012)

Newman, Busch incident after Darlington race: UPDATE: Several of #39-Ryan Newman's crewmen confronted #51-Kurt Busch on Saturday night at Darlington Raceway following an ill-advised decision by Busch to do a burnout through Newman's pit box. After Busch had a flat tire and crashed with six laps remaining - an incident which also collected Newman - the Phoenix Racing driver lost his cool and began yelling on the team radio. When Busch completed his pit stop to fix damage shortly after the wreck, he … did a loud, angry burnout while leaving his pit box. The burnout startled fans in the stands and put up a huge plume of smoke, an expression of Busch's frustration at a promising night gone bad. But while doing the burnout, Busch drove through Newman's pit box as well - and several Newman crew members were still over the wall after recently completing service on the #39 car. Among the angry crewmen was Newman's gas man, Andy Rueger, who went to the #51 hauler to await Busch's arrival. Rueger planned to confront Busch immediately after the race. But Busch's team knew Newman's crew was upset, and so crew chief Nick Harrison instructed Busch to stop at the entrance of pit road and leave the car there instead. The driver was livid on the radio and had been screaming obscenities during the final few laps, and the team felt it would be a good idea for him just to get off the track. Words were exchanged between the crewmen and Busch, and a NASCAR official fell onto Busch's hood in the process. Though contact with Rueger sparked the official's tumble, NASCAR's Robin Pemberton said the official just lost his footing. It's unclear whether NASCAR will issue any penalties in this situation. If NASCAR feels its official tumbled onto the hood on his own, then Newman's gas man could go unpunished.(SB Nation)
AND: #39-Ryan Newman had strong words for #51-Kurt Busch after their incident Saturday night. Here's what Newman told [Dustin Long] in a one-on-one conversation about the incident:
(WHAT HAPPENED?)
"I'm not sure what happened. It's easy to see and it's easy to say that Kurt blew a fuse again. I'm not sure why he did it and tried to run over our guys and NASCAR officials. And nobody is. I think the chemical imbalance speaks for itself. Kurt drilled me in pit lane and said that he was taking his helmet off and he didn't see where he was going, which I'm pretty sure there were 42 other guys that are taking their helmets off and doing whatever for the last 10 years and that's the first time that's happened to me. Circumstances I think are that he lied and was so frustrated that he doesn't know how to deal with his anger.
(WHAT NOW?)
"From my standpoint, that's the second offense on Kurt when he did retaliation on (teammate Tony) Stewart's crew and the officials there. I can voice my opinion on what they should do to him but that's not going to solve anything.
(YOU WENT IN TO NASCAR HAULER VOLUNTARILY?)
"No. They asked me to come in because they didn't know everything that happened on pit road. They just really wanted to know my side of that story. That was it. They said you're good to go.
(HE SAID HE JUST HIT YOU ON PIT ROAD)
"He said he was taking his helmet off, which I think was a lie.
(ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT HIM AS A DRIVER)
"Everybody has for the last 10 years. He's proven that. When you can't keep a job, it's pretty obvious."(Posted to Twitter by Dustin Long)(5-13-2012)
UPDATE: NASCAR is reviewing the fracas to see if penalties are warranted, said vice president of competition Ryan Pemberton. A Sprint Cup official fell back on Busch's car, but Pemberton didn't think it was an aggressive move toward the official. "We're looking at film, we're still getting all the facts straight," Pemberton said after the race. "We haven't talked to Kurt; we talked to Ryan a little bit. He talked to Kurt afterwards and he told him he didn't mean to hit him, he was taking his helmet off and looked up and he'd run into the back of him. So right now that's really all the facts that we have." Busch did not talk to reporters following the Southern 500.(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-14-2012)

Newman surprised Stewart wasn't fined: #39-Ryan Newman doesn't see any difference between his 2010 comments about the racing at Talladega Superspeedway that resulted in him being fined and what Tony Stewart said on Sunday. NASCAR has said Stewart will not be fined. "I guess there's a difference when you hold a straight face versus when you don't hold a straight face," Newman said during a Thursday promotion for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I'm not sure exactly how that all works. I get criticized for being blah and straight-faced and all that stuff. I didn't know that saved you money." Stewart, in what the post-race transcript said was a tongue-in-cheek interview, went on for almost five minutes taking sarcastic shots at the racing at Talladega. In 2010, Newman was secretly fined for saying, "If they want to have these races for the fans, just let us do this, but don't let it affect our championship because it's not racing. We should be here for the Talladega Event Marketing, or something like that."(ESPN)(5-11-2012)

Seeing double at Talladega: NASCAR fans may think they're seeing double during the Aaron's 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. The paint scheme that has adorned the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy moswt of the season will be shared with the Stewart-Haas Racing's Bass Pro Shops sponsored #39 Chevy driven by Ryan Newman for the Talledega race as a salute to men and women across America who enjoy the outdoor traditions of hunting, shooting sports, fishing, boating, camping and hiking. "Both Ryan and Jamie love to hunt and fish so we felt like this would be a great time to thank all the outdoor enthusiasts out there who love the outdoors and continue to pass on these traditions to future generations," stated Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. In addition, Bass Pro Shops wants to emphasize the outdoors is a great way to get away from our hectic fast-paced world and escape to the sights and sounds of nature.(Bass Pro Shops), see images of the schemes on the #1 Team schemes page and the #39 Team schemes page.(5-2-2012)

Haas Automation to sponsor Newman at Kansas: It was 10 years ago this September that Haas Automation - the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world and founded by Gene Haas - made its first start as a primary sponsor in the Sprint Cup Series at Kansas Speedway. The company's name and red "H" logos adorned the hood and quarter panels for the #60 Haas-CNC Racing machine for driver Jack Sprague, also owned by Haas. Fast forward to April 2012 and there's no doubt the sponsor (Haas Automation) and the race team (then Haas-CNC Racing) have come a long way since that first Kansas outing. Today, founder Haas shares ownership of what is now known as Stewart-Haas Racing with three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart. The merger, which took effect in 2009, has resulted in 16 Sprint Cup points paying wins, a Sprint All-Star race win and a Sprint Cup championship. And Haas' company, Haas Automation, serves as one of multiple primary sponsors for Ryan Newman and the #39 Chevrolet, including Sunday's STP 400. Newman's #39 Chevy will also carry the Web site address, "BeRyansBoss.com" on its TV panel this weekend to encourage fans to enter the "Quicken Loans You're the Boss Sweepstakes.". Fans can enter until April 30.(SHR)(4-20-2012)

Students Get Revved-Up For Interactive Racing Challenge: The U.S. Army and Ten80 Education announced a partnership focusing on immersing students in real-life applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The U.S. Army was seeking a high-performance educational initiative that is research-based, compelling for youth and reaches a widely underserved audience. The level of engineering and teamwork on display at the race track is reflective of the Army's leading-edge technology and the powerful, realistic training of its Army Strong Soldiers making this program the right fit for the U.S. Army and for the NASCAR STEM Initiative. A complete list of Army STEM-focused programs can be found at www.ArmyEdSpace.com. Just like today's Soldiers, students' physical, mental and emotional strength will be put to the test as they work in teams and compete to optimize performance of a 1:10 scale radio-controlled (RC) racecar. Four regions are sponsored by the Army: Boston (March 22), Dallas (April 12), Atlanta (May 3) and Charlotte, N.C., (May 12). The May 2012 National Finals will be held at the Stewart-Haas Racing Shop in Kannapolis, N.C. Stewart-Haas Racing's Ryan Newman, driver of the Army's #39 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chevy and holder of an engineering degree, will join Tony Schumacher, driver of the Army's NHRA Top Fuel dragster, and Antron Brown, his teammate and Top Fuel rival with Don Schumacher Racing, to participate in the regional events. Their sponsorship makes it possible for new teams to join the STEM league and to benefit from regional competitions and support events with professional mentors. Teachers benefit from professional development focused on project-based education and learn how to integrate STEM ideals into science and math classrooms. The U.S. Army also is sponsoring one winning team from each region to travel to the 2012 Ten80 National Finals in Charlotte. More info at Ten80 Education.)(U.S. Army Racing)(4-15-2012)

Children's Tumor Foundation on Newman's car at Sonoma: Quicken Loans is partnering with the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) to help "Fuel the Cure" for neurofibromatosis (NF) with the recent announcement that the nation's largest online lender has donated one of its nine primary races as sponsor of Ryan Newman and his #39 Chevy to the CTF. As part of the Fuel the Cure campaign, Newman's car will feature a special CTF paint scheme during the Toyota/Save Mart 350k NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on June 24 - marking the Foundation's first entrance into professional stock car racing. In addition to the special paint scheme, Quicken Loans, its partners at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) and Newman aim to help CTF raise $390,000 for NF research through the website www.fuelthecure.org. If the goal is met, "Fuel the Cure" and its related programs will have raised $1 million for CTF before 2012 reaches the mid-year mark.(Quicken Loans)(4-6-2012)

Newman wins at Martinsville: #39-Ryan Newman won the Goody's Fast Relief 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 1st win of the year, his first at Martinsville, and 16th win of his career.
#22-Allmendinger finished 2nd (his career best finish) followed by #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #17-Kenseth, #56-Truex, Jr., #11-Hamlin, #14-Stewart, #43-Almirola, #2-Keselowski, and #15-Bowyer.
The race ended after a second green-white-checker attempt. #24-Gordon and #48-Johnson led the race on the first restart, but had stayed out on old tires. #15-Bowyer got a good jump on the start to move up along Gordon in turn one, pinching the cars together and setting off a spin by Gordon and Johnson. Gordon then ran out of gas before the final restart and finished 14th. Johnson finished 12th.
The pole sitter, #5-Kahne, didn't lead a single lap and spent numerous laps behind the wall before falling out of the race with a blown engine. He finished 38th.
There were 7 cautions for 56 yellow flag laps. There were 19 lead changes among 10 drivers. The estimated attendence was 63,000, up from 60,000 in 2011.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Martinsville Race Results page (pdf).
See drivers championship points standings on the Drivers Points Standings page (pdf).
and Owners Points on the Owners Points Standings page (pdf).(4-1-2012)

Ryan Newman Foundation Helps Reunite Soldier with Dog: The Ryan Newman Foundation is helping fly a dog home to be with his Soldier owner who lives 3,000 miles away. The assistance was prompted by an email regarding a dog saved by US soldiers in Afghanistan and the request for help with his transport home. The Ryan Newman Foundation immediately agreed to assist other animal groups and get the lonely boy from New York to his owner in Washington State. Trigger, a 70 pound stray saved by US soldiers in Afghanistan, began his new life as an all-American dog in February after arriving at JFK Airport. Trigger's new leash on life came courtesy of Guardians of Rescue, the group which provided the funds to bring him from Kabul to their rescue based in Port Jefferson, Long Island in New York. Trigger's final homecoming is scheduled for March 9th. Much more info and video's at ryannewmanfoundation.org.(3-8-2012)

Congrats to Ryan & Krissie Newman: Krissie Newman tweeted Tuesday evening, "[Daughter] Brooklyn is pretty excited tonight, we told her she was going to have a little sister in July!"(2-29-2012)

Military and Motorsports to Announce Historic Collaboration: The N.C. Motorsports Industry and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) announced a strategic partnership to grow North Carolina's defense and homeland security economy and increase soldier safety and capabiilty. The historic collaboration was announced by N. C. Gov. Bev Perdue; Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland, Jr., Commanding General, USASOC; and NASCAR President Mike Helton during the opening weekend of Daytona Speedweeks.
The formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) – facilitated by the N.C. Department of Commerce, the N.C. Military Foundation, the N.C. Motorsports Advisory Council and USASOC Mobility – will allow the nation's most respected motorsports companies and the world's premier special operations force to mutually benefit through shared capabilities, knowledge, requirements, expertise, and training specific to vehicle performance. "The motorsports industry and Special Ops have forged a historic partnership that is unique to North Carolina," said Gov. Perdue. "This partnership will have worldwide implications. It improves safety and performance of military vehicles for our troops and creates jobs and investment opportunities in North Carolina."
Lt. General Mulholland explained that Special Operations Forces are "constantly seeking innovative methods to make our operators more effective, and the amazing technologies developed by N.C. motorsports companies have direct applications to the many complex problems we face. Army special operators are expected to thrive and succeed in the most challenging environments against dynamic threats. Likewise, the people who work at this level of the motorsports industry are constantly seeking to improve their performance – to dominate the competition – under the most extreme conditions. Ultimately, this is an opportunity for each institution to better serve our nation."
Increased interaction between N.C.'s motorsports industry and Army Special Operations Forces highlighting dual-use technologies increased significantly following the release of the N.C. Military Foundation's Defense Asset Inventory and Target Industry Cluster Analysis. This forward looking analysis, assembled with expert support from the N.C. Department of Commerce, pinpoints where the state's strengths in industry, academia and R&D coincide with the emerging needs of the military and homeland security. In addition to improved vehicle performance for both military and motorsports, there will be increased economic opportunities for North Carolina's defense and motorsports industries. Combined, the motorsports and defense sectors have close to a $30 billion economic impact in the state.(NASCAR)(2-21-2012)

Sandvik Coromant Extends Partnership With Stewart-Haas Racing: Sandvik Coromant, the market-leading producer of tools for the metal-cutting industry, is pleased to announce the renewal of its longtime partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2012 season. This is the fourth consecutive year that Sandvik Coromant has served as the official technical sponsor for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.(Cision)(2-11-2012)

Newmans break ground on animal facility: #39-Ryan Newman and wife Krissie began discussing plans for an animal rescue facility in Iredell County a few years ago, and the first step in the process took place a couple of miles from their home in Statesville, NC. The facility is called "Rescue Ranch" and will lay on 87 acres off NC Highway 21 and has been a dream of Krissie's. The Ranch will have similarities to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. where a good friend Mike Arms is the President. The facility will have a number of phases; the first consisting of offices and classrooms. Future phases will consist of a boarding facility, veterinary clinic, horse stalls and pastures, riding trails, educational camps and a small animal and creepy/crawly building. The first phase of the project has been awarded to Mooresville based R.L. Smith, Inc. owned by Ronnie Smith. The projected completion date is early fall 2012. "My wife Lee and I [parents of Regan Smith] have been supporters of the Ryan Newman Foundation from the beginning," Smith noted. "We are huge animal lovers and honored to be part of Rescue Ranch and the building of phase one. The facility is something that I believe our county will be proud of and I commend Ryan and Krissie for their efforts."(Ryan Newman Foundation)(1-31-2012)

Wix Filters to sponsor Newman: WIX Filters announced plans to be the primary sponsor for Ryan Newman of Stewart-Haas Racing for four races during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. WIX Filters will debut its primary sponsorship of Newman and his #39 Chevy at the season kick-off Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18. WIX will be Newman's primary sponsor for three additional NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events this year – at Phoenix on March 4, Darlington on May 12 and Michigan on Aug. 19. "Ryan Newman, Stewart-Haas Racing and their fans bring tremendous enthusiasm and excitement to the racing season," said Mike Harvey, brand manager for WIX Filters. "We can't wait to be onboard with them again in 2012. Our partnerships with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan have been some of our most successful in racing thanks to the support offered by the team and the way Ryan's fans have embraced our brand." WIX has been the Official Filter for Stewart-Haas Racing since the team's creation in 2009. In three starts with WIX Filters on the hood of the #39, Newman has three top-10 finishes – a sixth-place effort at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2010, a third-place finish in last season's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway and a fifth-place effort at Michigan International Speedway in August 2011. "I'm excited to have WIX Filters back as a partner in 2012," said Newman. "They have a great support program, find cool ways to get fans involved and most importantly provide us with superior filters to protect our engines."(WIX Fix Filters)(1-28-2012)

Aspen Dental to sponsor Newman in two races: Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the United States, has reached a multi-year agreement with Stewart-Haas Racing. The Syracuse, N.Y.-based company, with more than 330 locations in 22 states, will be the primary sponsor of SHR's #39 team with driver Ryan Newman at the July Sprint Cup race at Daytona International Speedway and the September event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. When not serving as primary sponsor, Aspen Dental will be an associate sponsor with placement on the lower-rear quarter panel of the #39 Chevy and on the upper chest of Newman's uniform. The company also secured rights to utilize Stewart promotionally.(True Speed Communications)(1-23-2012)

Newman Foundation Charity Events Raise $333,000: The 7th Annual Ryan Newman Foundation Charity Dinner and 6th Annual Charity Fishing Tournament raised $333,000 for its animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. The dinner, presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, was held at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC on Friday, December 9th. Former Miss Sprint Monica Palumbo emceed the evening's festivities. Country music singer/song writers Kendell Marvel, Billy and Randy Montana and Heidi Newfield took to the stage providing entertainment for the sold out crowd of 500 sponsors, NASCAR drivers, professional anglers, outdoorsmen and fans. Guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and participate in the "Fishing for Fun" Raffle. The big items of the evening were a John Deere Gator, Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV and a Holstein Hyde Lounge. Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart walked away with the lounge.(see more at the Ryan Newman Foundation website)(1-8-2012)

Team owner Haas being sued: A Miami-Dade lawsuit over a real estate deal gone awry could put a significant dent in NASCAR team owner Gene Haas' Sprint Cup [#14-Tony Stewart] championship spoils. Haas made the winning bid on two multimillion-dollar Golden Beach mansions at a public auction just days before NASCAR's season-ending race in Homestead. Yet the sellers of the homes, brothers Robert and Steven Fox, say Haas — through a proxy — reneged on the deal, and in turn forfeited the $1 million deposit that auction rules mandated be paid up front."He simply refused to sign the contracts," said attorney Eric Isicoff, who is representing the Foxes in the suit."In my 30 years in this business, this is the first time this has ever happened," added auctioneer (and Pompano Beach Mayor) Lamar Fisher, who handled the sale. Calls to Haas' attorneys, both in Fort Lauderdale and in California, were not returned Wednesday. A spokesman for Haas' primary business, the machine-tools company Haas Automation, declined comment.(full story at Miami Herald)(1-5-2012)

Races [15] that the US Army is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2011:
Daytona - 2/20
Auto Club - 3/27, Youth Success (PaYS)
Texas - 4/9, Army Reserve
Richmond - 4/30, Medical Dept
Charlotte - 5/29
Michigan - 6/19, 236th Birthday & Bud Moore
New Hampshire - 7/17
Watkins Glen - 8/14
Atlanta - 9/4, Army Reserve
Richmond - 9/10, 9/11 Pentagon tribute
Chicago - 9/18, Medicine
Dover - 10/2, ROTC
Talladega - 10/23
Phoenix - 11/13
Homestead - 11/20

Races [12/14] that Haas Automation has been the primary sponsor in 2011:
Las Vegas - 3/6
Martinsville - 4/3
Talladega - 4/17
Dover - 5/15
Charlotte, All Star - 5/21
Kansas - 6/5
Pocono - 6/12
Infineon - 6/26
Indianapolis - 7/31
New Hampshire - 9/25
Kansas - 10/9
Charlotte - 10/15, Cookies for Kids Cancer
Martinsville - 10/30

Races [5] that Tornados is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2011:
Phoenix - 2/27
Bristol - 3/20
Darlington - 5/7
Kentucky - 7/9
Pocono - 8/7

Races [2] that WIX Filters is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2011:
Bud Shootout - Daytona - 2/12
Michigan - 8/15

Races [2] that Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2011:
Daytona - 7/2, NRA
Bristol - 8/27, Realtree

Race [1] that Quciken Loans is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2011:
Texas - 11/6

Zippy back with Stewart? UPDATE 3: hearing that Greg Zipadelli, currently the crew chief for #20-Joe Logano, could be headed to Stewart-Haas Racing in the future. Greg Zipadelli would take over as the crew chief for #14-Tony Stewart, who he won two Sprint Cup titles with [2002, 2005]. Current #14 crew chief, Darian Grubb, would move into Bobby Hutchens old position of director of competition. Hutchens and Stewart-Haas recently parted ways. Hutchins was Stewart-Haas Racing's Director of Competition and Stewart said they are looking for a replacement. Matt Borland was promoted to vice president of competition and is serving as Stewart-Haas Racing's interim director of competition. Stewart said recently that "once that position is filled, the director of competition will report to Matt."(6-21-2011)
See past denials and news on my #20 Team News page.
UPDATE 3 - Zipadelli Named Competition Director for Stewart-Haas Racing: Greg Zipadelli, winner of two championships and 34 victories as a crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been named competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). He will work with Vice President of Competition Matt Borland and oversee the #14 and #39 teams, while also building the #10 team for which Danica Patrick will run a 10-race Sprint Cup schedule with in 2012. Zipadelli comes to SHR from Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) where he served as crew chief for the #20 team since 1999. It's where the 44-year-old from Berlin, Conn., began a 10-year tenure with Tony Stewart, the co-owner of SHR along with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. From 1999 through 2008, Zipadelli was Stewart's crew chief, with the duo winning Sprint Cup titles in 2002 and 2005 while claiming 33 victories and 10 poles. When Stewart left JGR following the 2008 season to form SHR, Zipadelli stayed and spent three years as the crew chief for Joey Logano, where he helped deliver Logano's first career Sprint Cup victory on June 28, 2009 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. "We're very proud to have Greg Zipadelli join Stewart-Haas Racing," said Stewart, the three-time and reigning Sprint Cup champion. "Greg and I have a long and successful history together. I know him and he knows me, and we both know what it takes to build race teams. We took our time in searching for a competition director because it's an important role with a lot of responsibility. Greg knows all that goes into the job, understands the importance of teamwork and communication across all levels of the organization, and is ultimately someone I have a great deal of trust in."
The addition of Zipadelli to the SHR family is a reunion on two fronts – Stewart, of course, but also with Steve Addington, who spent 2004-2008 at JGR and is now Stewart's crew chief at SHR with the #14 team. (Tony Gibson serves as crew chief for the #39 team and driver Ryan Newman.)
"Joe Gibbs always says that you win with people, and Tony Stewart is a winner," Zipadelli said. "We won a lot together at Joe Gibbs Racing, and it was a sad day when he left. But Tony had an unbelievable opportunity with Stewart-Haas Racing, and he's obviously made the most of it. To become a part of what he's already built, but to do it in a new role with a new set of responsibilities, was a challenge I wanted. I really appreciate Joe and J.D. Gibbs for all that that they've given me over the years and for allowing me to seize this opportunity."(Stewart-Haas Racing)(12-16-2011)

Zipadelli unable to get release from Gibbs? Darian Grubb's future with the Stewart-Haas, if any is unknown, although the Competition Director position remains unfilled. Greg Zipadelli [crew chief for #20-Joey Logano], according to several sources has been the frontrunner for that job but has been unable to secure a release from his Joe Gibbs Racing contract. Signed through 2012, those sources say the former crew chief for Stewart and current head wrench for Joey Logano has met with strong internal opposition from J.D. Gibbs to secure his release.(Frontstretch)(11-28-2011)

Outback Steakhouse Joins Stewart-Haas Racing: Award-winning Outback Steakhouse, with more than 750 locations nationwide, has formed a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by two-time series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. Outback Steakhouse will be the primary sponsor of SHR's #39 team and driver Ryan Newman for two races in 2012, and when not serving as a primary sponsor, will be an associate sponsor with placement on the B-post of the #39 Chevrolet Impala. Outback Steakhouse joins the U.S. Army, Quicken Loans and Tornados as primary sponsors of the #39 team.
"We're thrilled to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman who are recognized for their leadership and performance on and off the track," said Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer, Outback Steakhouse. "It's especially meaningful to us to continue Outback's longstanding commitment to supporting troops and their families by being a sponsor on the #39 U.S. Army Chevrolet."
"I've always been a huge fan of Outback Steakhouse, and I know why it's been voted the best steak year in and year out," said Newman, winner of 15 Sprint Cup races, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. "They have a quality product that I'm very familiar with and we're certainly proud to be representing Outback Steakhouse on the racetrack."
In officially launching the partnership, Outback Steakhouse's logo, along with a special message to United States Veterans, will be featured on the decklid of Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy during this weekend's Sprint Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway. Fittingly, the U.S. Army Chevy carries a special paint scheme during this Veterans Day weekend at Phoenix honoring Army Vietnam Veterans. A collage made up of hundreds of photos of those who served is incorporated into the car's design.
"We're honored to have Outback Steakhouse join Stewart-Haas Racing," added Stewart, who in his three years as a Sprint Cup team owner has qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup each season while scoring 10 of his 43 career Sprint Cup victories, the most recent of which came last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. "The company's reputation for quality and great service is second to none in the restaurant industry, and it's a true pleasure to be associated with a company and a product that is admired by so many, including myself. We're looking forward to doing some great things together on and off the racetrack."(Stewart Haas Racing)(11-11-2011)

Outback to sponsor Stewart-Haas next season: Stewart-Haas Racing is adding yet another sponsor to its lineup on the #39 team driven by Ryan Newman. Outback Steakhouse, a restaurant chain based in Tampa, Fla., will serve as primary sponsor on the #39 in at least two Sprint Cup Series races in 2012, multiple sources said. A formal announcement of the sponsorship addition is expected Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.(Charlotte Observer)(11-8-2011)

Vietnam Veterans to ride along with Newman at Phoenix: As a Veterans Day tribute, the U.S. Army Racing cars for drivers Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman will be adorned with more than 350 faces of Army Vietnam Veterans during this weekend's NHRA and NASCAR races. The Army race teams are honoring the Veterans for their service and sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict that started 50 years ago. "What a cool way for us to say 'thank you' and honor the Vietnam Veterans," said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. "History tells us that many who served in Southeast Asia were not properly recognized upon their return. It will be a sincere privilege and inspiration for our race team to have the Army Strong Vietnam Soldiers ride along with me in the Phoenix race." The special paint scheme will serve as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) when, as a country, we honor and remember the heroism, courage and dedication displayed by our Veterans. While the nation remembers the service of its Veterans, the millions at home and at the track watching Newman and Schumacher will get a chance to see some of the faces who represent true heroes.(TrueSpeed Communications)(11-8-2011)

Quicken Loans to sponsor Newman: UPDATE: Stewart-Haas Racing has obtained a new sponsor which will help fill a sponsorship hole on its #39 Chevy next season. Quicken Loans Inc., headquartered in Detroit and the largest online mortgage lender in the country, is expected to serve as primary sponsor on the #39 driven by Ryan Newman in at least half a dozen Sprint Cup Series races beginning in 2012, multiple sources confirmed. SHR has scheduled a news conference Tuesday at its headquarters in Kannapolis, N.C., to announce the new partnership.(Charlotte Observer), see an image of the car on my #39 team paint schemes page.(10-29-2011)
UPDATE: Quicken Loans Inc., the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender, has formed a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing. Quicken Loans will be the primary sponsor of SHR's #39 team and driver Ryan Newman for nine races in 2012, and when not serving as a primary sponsor, will be an associate sponsor. Additionally, Quicken Loans will be an associate sponsor on the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy of Stewart throughout the 2012 Sprint Cup season. To kick off this partnership, Newman and the #39 team will carry a special paint scheme to highlight the upcoming Quicken Loans Carrier Classic during this weekend's Sprint Cup event at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The Quicken Loans Carrier Classic pits #No. 1 North Carolina Tarheels against the Michigan State Spartans in an unprecedented season-opener to the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball schedule, as the game will be played on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson on Nov. 11, 2011 - Veterans Day.(Stewart Haas Racing)(11-1-2011)

Kraft Foods extends partnerships with NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing: NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing and Kraft Foods jointly announced an extended agreement for Kraft Foods to continue as the Official Cookie (Oreo, Nilla and Nutter Butter) and Cracker (Ritz and Wheat Thins) of NASCAR, and that the iconic Oreo and Ritz brands would continue to serve as Associate Sponsors of Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, respectively, in the Sprint Cup Series. Kraft Foods, an Official NASCAR Partner since 2000, will continue its long tradition of creating NASCAR-themed, specially-marked packages of Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers for a national consumer sweepstakes. For the first time in 2012, Ritz will host a national digital and social media sweepstakes on its Facebook page where a fan will have the chance to win a prize package to go to the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony.(NASCAR)(10-26-2011)

Newman & Thompson to be inducted into Talladega Walk of Fame: The fans have spoken... and #39-Ryan Newman and Speedy Thompson will be the next drivers enshrined to the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 22. The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in downtown Talladega is both a focal point saluting NASCAR's greatest names and a tribute to one of racing's brightest stars – the late Davey Allison. Developed in 1994, the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame has inducted one active driver and up to two inactive drivers since 1995 based on the fans' vote chosen from a ballot of nominees selected by strict guidelines. This year's active driver honoree, Newman, 33, is not your ordinary NASCAR driver. A graduate of Purdue University, Newman not only has immense talent behind the wheel, he also has an in-depth understanding of what a car is designed and built to do on the racetrack. It is that combination that has made him one of the most successful and respected figures in modern motorsports.
Inactive driver nominee, Alfred "Speedy" Thompson was one of the most successful drivers of the late 1950's. He made 198 starts from 1950 – 1971, winning 20 races along with scoring 78 top-fives, 106 top-tens, and 20 poles. Over the course of the 1957 season, Thompson made 38 starts, notching two wins, 16 top five finishes, and 22 top ten finishes. He earned four poles, won almost $27,000, and his average finish position was 10.2. In over 21 years of racing, Speedy started 198 races, posting 105 top ten finishes, of which 77 were top fives and 20 were victories. Speedy earned just shy of $115,000 over his career, but for four consecutive seasons, the only four he raced anywhere near a full schedule, he was the third greatest stock car racer in the country. Thompson left the sport as a pioneer in stock car racing and is considered to be among the top 50 greatest NASCAR drivers in history. Thompson passed away April 2, 1972.
In the park, Davey Allison is remembered with a large marble monument, while drivers inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame have bronze plaques placed around the park, accessible by walkways that form the shape of Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Walk of Fame)(10-21-2011)

Cookies for Kids' Cancer scheme for Newman: A win at Charlotte would kick back into gear Ryan Newman's efforts in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Victory would also be huge for Cookies for Kids' Cancer, which will be featured on Newman's #39 Chevy for the Bank of America 500. The Gene Haas Foundation, formed in 1999 by SHR co-owner Gene Haas, is donating $25,000 to Cookies for Kids' Cancer which, through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to help change the effects of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Cookies for Kids' Cancer was founded in 2008 by Gretchen and Larry Witt, who were inspired to do so by their son, Liam, who was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2007 while just 2 years old. After successfully hosting a 96,000-cookie bake sale that raised more than $400,000 for cancer research during December 2007, Cookies for Kids' Cancer was formed. Tragically, Liam came to the end of his courageous four-year fight with cancer in January 2011 at the age of 6 and, though devastated by his loss, the Witts remain more determined than ever to continue the fight against pediatric cancer.(TrueSpeed Communications), see an image of the car on the #39 team paint schemes page.(10-12-2011)

ROTC scheme for Newman at Dover: Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy will pay tribute to the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (Army ROTC) in the AAA 400 Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. Army ROTC is a college-based, officer commissioning program.(U.S. Army Racing)(9-30-2011)

Newman visits Arlington National Cemetery, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial : U.S. Army Racing drivers #39-Ryan Newman (NASCAR) and Tony Schumacher (NHRA) paid solemn tribute Thursday to our nation's heroes in powerful, emotional visits to both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Schumacher and Newman were humbled and honored by the experience as they laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbol of all unaccounted for American Soldiers lost in combat. The Tomb commemorates the spirit of devotion, sacrifice and courage of the American Soldier, and has been guarded 24/7 since 1930. "Just staring at the Tomb and then seeing all of those delicately-placed white marble headstones is one powerful reminder that we must never take for granted the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform," said Newman, who is in his third season driving the #39 U.S. Army Chevy for Stewart-Haas Racing. Following the Arlington National Cemetery visit, Newman and Schumacher laid a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial which was designed as a place for remembrance, reflection and renewal. The design captures that moment in time at 9:37 a.m., Sept. 11, 2001 when 184 lives from the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77 became intertwined for eternity. Each Memorial Unit is a cantilevered bench and a permanent tribute to each victim in a single element. Beneath each bench is a pool of flowing water, lit at night to illuminate the Memorial park. "It was another emotional visit to see this magnificent and well-thought-out Memorial," said Newman. "This Memorial will ensure that the 184 lives that were lost here 10 years ago will never be forgotten." ollowing the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial visit, the U.S. Army drivers met with Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, General Raymond T. Odierno and Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler. Said Newman, "It was an insightful, moving and inspiring day to visit both Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. After today, it makes me even more proud to wear the Army uniform and drive the Soldiers' car."(See images at Stewart Hass Racing site)(9-10-2011)

#39 US. Army Racing to honor the victims of the Pentagon attack: As the nation observes the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Army announced that both its NHRA and NASCAR teams will honor the victims of the Pentagon attack with special paint schemes at upcoming races. At the recent Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis (Sept. 2-5), Tony Schumacher's U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster carried the names of the 75 U.S. Army personnel killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. On Sept. 10, Stewart-Haas Racing driver Ryan Newman also will carry the names of the 75 U.S. Army Pentagon victims on his #39 U.S. Army Chevy in the Wonderful Pistachios 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. In addition to the listing of the names, both race cars will carry an inscription "We Will Never Forget" and sport a specially-designed logo featuring the World Trade Center twin towers, Pentagon and the American Flag. Newman is expecting to be deeply moved by the first appearance of his Richmond race car. "There's no question it will be an emotional time for not only my team, but the entire NASCAR family," said Newman, a 15-time Sprint Cup winner. "We all remember where we were and what we were doing when the news surfaced about the attacks. I know it will be etched in my memory forever. And, it should be that way for everyone. We want to win every race for the Army, but you can imagine how much more we'll want to win the Richmond event. It would be a very special, touching moment if we could drive into victory lane carrying the names of those great Americans."(U.S. Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(9-7-2011)

#39 Chevy to Pay Tribute to U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers: This weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Ryan Newman will be driving the #39 U.S. Army Reserve Chevy. A tribute to Soldiers who combine civilian experience with military training to provide specialized skills for missions around the world. Entering Sunday night's AdvoCare 500 Sprint Cup event, Newman's performance in eight races this season at the 1.5 and 2-mile venues has dramatically improved with an average finish of 10.63 compared to a 21.00 average during the same period and same amount of races last year. Newman's overall record at Atlanta Motor Speedway includes 18 starts, one top-five and six top-10s. His average start is 6.4 and average finish is 17.3. It will be a double-duty Atlanta weekend for Newman, who will also compete in Friday evening's Camping World Truck Series race. Newman will drive the #08 Turner Motorsports Chevy, which will honor his outdoors buddy Beau Slocumb, who lost his life to cancer earlier this year.(U.S. Army Racing), see the scheme, that also ran at Texas in April on the #39 Team Schemes Page.(9-2-2011)

Bass Pro on 3 cars at Bristol: NASCAR fans will be seeing triple during the Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol on Saturday, August 27th as the world famous Bass Pro Shops logo will be seen not just on the Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing's #1 Chevy driven by Jamie McMurray but also on the hood of Stewart-Hass Racing's #14 Chevy driven by Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy. The three Sprint Cup Cars are Bass Pro Shops way of celebrating the start of the nation's fall hunting seasons and to kick off a special promotion celebrating Bass Pro Shops three ways to shop and take care of all their customers hunting needs through their award winning destination retail stores, catalogs and online at www.basspro.com.(Bass Pro PR)(8-26-2011)

Realtree to sponsor four cars at Bristol: Realtree Camouflage Designer and President Bill Jordan announced sponsorship on four different Chevrolet Sprint Cup cars atthe August 27 Bristol Night Race. Look for Realtree's new Antler Logo in the primary sponsor position on Richard Childres. Racing's #29 Realtree/Bad Boy Buggies car, driven by Kevin Harvick; Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing's #1 Bass Pro Shops car, driven by Jamie McMurray; and Stewart-Hass Racing's #14 and #39 cars, piloted by Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, respectively. "All of us at Realtree are excited to have such a big presence at one of NASCAR's most prestigious races of the year," said Jordan. "Of course, this race comes at a time of year when hunters are really getting fired up about the fall. It's amazing how many of our fans are passionate about both racing and hunting. And many of the drivers feel the same way. In fact, three of the guys we're sponsoring at Bristol… Harvick, Stewart and Newman… have hunted with me and the Realtree cameras many times, and McMurray is an avid outdoorsman too. For many years now, Realtree, Chevrolet and NASCAR have been partners in connecting fans to the outdoors, and just recently we all teamed up with Outdoor Channel to bring fans 'Realtree's NASCAR Outdoors'. The show has been a huge success. Fans really enjoy seeing their favorite drivers on hunts, and drivers and others from around the NASCAR garage are strong ambassadors for the outdoors. It really is a fun project for everyone involved, including the fans."(Realtree), see an image of the #29 scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(8-22-2011)

Fish Your Bass Off raises over $40k: Professional bass angler Kevin VanDam and #39-Ryan Newman hit the water Thursday for Fish Your Bass Off, a fundraiser for MIS Cares, Michigan International Speedway's charitable arm. The second-annual event at Jerry's Pub on Wampler's Lake raised more than $40,000 for MIS Cares. The event included a bass fishing competition, followed by a fish weigh-in, live and silent auctions and fish dinner. VanDam, from Kalamazoo, Mich., and Newman, in town for this weekend's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway, won Fish Your Bass Off, with a total of five fish weighing 14 pounds, 8 ounces.(MIS)(8-21-2011)

WIX colors for Newman at Michigan: Ryan Newman will drive the gold-and-black colors of WIX Filters at Michigan International Speedway this weekend on the #39 Chevy. Newman's record in two starts with WIX Filters on the hood of the #39 includes two top-10 finishes – a sixth-place effort at Bristol last August and a third-place finish in the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona (SHR), see image of scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(8-18-2011)

Faces of Vietnam Veterans on Army NASCAR, NHRA Cars: The U.S. Army, in conjunction with Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, will run special paint schemes honoring the men and women who served in the Vietnam War on the Soldiers' race cars during Veterans Day weekend. In honor of these Veterans' service and sacrifice, who served during the conflict that started 50 years ago, selected photos will be featured on the hood, trunk, side panels and bumpers when Ryan Newman gets behind the wheel of the #39 U.S. Army Chevy at the Nov. 13 Kobalt Tools 500k NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher's U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster will don the custom paint scheme when he straps in at Pomona, Calif., for the Nov. 13 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Beginning today, Vietnam Army Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who have embraced the call of duty and helped build and protect our country at www.goarmy.com/yourphotohere. All Vietnam Veterans shown in uniform are eligible for inclusion among the photos in the special paint scheme. Images will be collected through Sept. 16.(Army Racing PR)(8-13-2011)

Newman's race winning modified confiscated by NASCAR UPDATE: The car Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman drove to victory in Saturday's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour F.W. Webb 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was confiscated by NASCAR during post-race inspection. NASCAR spokesman Jason Christley said the car was confiscated to allow NASCAR to make further evaluations concerning restrictor plate and airflow issues with the motor on the car. Newman, who won the pole in qualifying for the event on Thursday, beat second place finisher Todd Szegedy to the checkered flag by 1.901 seconds on Saturday. "The action is not necessarily an indication of any impending penalty," Christley said. The car will be taken by NASCAR to their Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. for further inspection.(Hartford Courant)(7-17-2011)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced the #7 team that competes in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour has been penalized as a result of rules violations committed Saturday, July 16 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20D-5.9P (the intake manifold ports did not completely seal to the cylinder head ports. The use of metal shim-type intake manifold gaskets is not permitted) of the 2011 NASCAR rule book. The violations were discovered during post-race inspection on July 16. Mike LaRochelle, crew chief of car #7, has been suspended from all NASCAR regional touring series events until Dec. 31, 2011. Kevin Manion, owner of car #7, has been disqualified from the July 16 New Hampshire race, and has been suspended from all NASCAR regional touring series events until Dec. 31, 2011. Ryan Newman, driver of car #7, has been disqualified from the July 16 New Hampshire race.(NASCAR)(7-20-2011)

1-2 finish stats: A couple interesting stats from Sunday's race, provided by ESPN's Marty Smith:
1) Sunday's 1-2 start/finish by #39-Newman/#14-Stewart is the first teammate 1-2 start and finish since the 1989 Daytona 500 (Darrell Waltrip and Ken Schrader for Hendrick Motorsports).
2) The last time a team started/finished 1-2 with the same drivers in the same order was back on April 7, 1957 at North Wilkesboro with DePaolo Engineering. Fireball Roberts won from the pole, while teammate Paul Goldsmith started second and finished second.
AND Newman and Stewart qualified and finished 1-2, that's the first time in a Cup race that drivers have qualified and finished 1-2 since Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch qualified and finished 1-2 at Pocono in June 2006.(7-18-2011)

Most poles with fewest wins: UPDATE: #39-Ryan Newman won his 47th pole, now 10th all time on the all time pole list. Newman has won a pole in 11 straight seasons, 6th on the all-time list, David Pearson is first with 20 straight seasons with #24-Jeff Gordon at 19 [a current streak]. In the previous 46 pole wins, Newman has only won 3 races from the pole. Newman has gone winless in 34 straight races that he has started from the pole [the all-time record]. His last win from the pole was at Pocono in August 2003. Geoff Bodine, who has 37 poles in his career, lost 27 consecutive races when starting from the pole from his career start in 1982 until he won at Martinsville in 1990. He would end up winning win from the pole three times. Ricky Rudd went 0 for 26 to begin his career and only had one win from the pole position before finishing his career with 29 poles.(7-16-2011)
UPDATE: Newman's win Sunday at New Hampshire broke his winless from the pole streak at 34.(7-18-2011)

Newman wins at New Hampshire: #39-Ryan Newman won the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his 1st win of 2011 and 15th career win. His teammate, #14-Stewart finished second [the first one-two finish for Stewart-Hass Racing] followed by #11-Hamlin, #20-Logano, #48-Johnson, #4-Kahne, #47-Labonte, #56-Truex, Jr., #9-Ambrose, and #22-Busch. The race came down to fuel mileage with several drivers running out of gas during the last few laps.
The points leader going in to the race, #18-Busch, blew a tire early and hit the wall. He finished 36th and lost the points lead to #99-Edwards, who goes to the points lead by 7 points over #48-Johnson.
There were 21 lead changes among 14 drivers; 10 cautions for 44 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 95,000, up from 91,000 last June.
Scheduled Race Re-Air: SPEED, Wednesday, July 20 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's New Hampshire Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.
For the owner points standings, see my Owners Points Standings page.(7-17-2011)

Cup connections in NH touring races: Several drivers connected to the Sprint Cup Series will be participating in the touring series events this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Entered in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event: Ben Kennedy, son of Lesa France Kennedy (vice chairwoman and executive vice president of NASCAR and CEO of International Speedway Corporation); Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell; and Brandon McReynolds, son of TNT/FOX/SPEED analyst and former crew chief Larry McReynolds. …Entered in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race are NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman and ESPN NASCAR Analyst Andy Petree.(NASCAR)(7-14-2001)

House defends military spending on NASCAR: The House voted last week to defend U.S. military sponsorship of NASCAR and other motorsports against an effort to cut spending by more than half for the programs. Lawmakers voted 167-260 to kill an amendment by Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn. It would have cut spending on motorsports from $63 million to $20 million. Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., said spending on NASCAR is a "recruiting tool" that the Army expects will help attract 28,700 prospects and give recruiters access to 182 schools through its sponsorship. "The recruiting for our programs that are successful ought to be continued and should not be denied for whatever the reason that someone objects to using the money for sponsoring race car vehicles," Young said.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(7-11-2011)

Newman to honor fallen officer: The badge number of fallen Lexington police officer Bryan Durman will be riding with #39-Ryan Newman in Saturday's Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. A decal with 46600 will be just above the window on the driver's side of Newman's # 39 Tornados Chevy. On Friday, Newman said he hoped "to help turn something positive out of a negative situation." The connection between the NASCAR Sprint Cup star and Durman is Lexington police officer John Boyle. Newman is married to Boyle's sister, Krissie. Durman, 27, was killed in a hit-and-run incident April 29, 2010, while investigating a noise complaint. He was the first Lexington police officer killed in the line of duty in about 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Brandy, and a son, Brayden, 6. Boyle, 28, and a Vernon, N.J., native, has been a Lexington police officer since 2005. He says he did not know Durman well, but "I did know him. We worked a couple of cases together. I used to see him at the courthouse. Main thing is, we were wearing the same colors." Boyle says he contacted Newman about doing something to honor Durman that could also be a unique and positive experience for Brandy and Brayden Durman. "Ryan and my sister donated around 35 race tickets," Boyle said. "I don't know that Brandy was a real big NASCAR fan. But I explained to her that it was a pretty big honor to Bryan to have his badge number on a car during a Cup race. I think she's excited about coming to the race with Brayden." Boyle says between 50-55 Lexington police officers will attend Saturday's race. Says Newman: "When my brother-in-law said his friend and co-worker was killed, we saw this as an opportunity to get (Durman's) wife and child out to the racetrack to enjoy a race and to honor (Durman) by putting his decal, his badge number, on our car."(Lexington Herald Leader)(7-9-2011)

Race #350 for Newman: The Inaugural Sprint Cup Series Race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta will mark #39-Ryan Newman's 350th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. Newman has career totals of 14 wins, 46 poles, 76 top-fives and 142 top-10 finishes in 349 Sprint Cup starts. His most recent Sprint Cup win was his victory at Phoenix 47 races ago to end a winless streak of 77 races dating back to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February 2008. With the addition of Kentucky Speedway to the Sprint Cup Series schedule this year, there are now eight racetracks where Newman has not scored a Cup Series pole position. Newman as 46 career Sprint Cup poles, tying him for 10th on the all-time career pole list with NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Junior Johnson. Newman is third among active full-time Sprint Cup drivers behind Jeff Gordon (70) and Mark Martin (50). His last pole came 40 races ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(SHR)(7-7-2011)

Stewart not expecting to expand in 2012: #14-Tony Stewart's goal since becoming co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing prior to the 2009 season was to eventually build the NASCAR Sprint Cup team up from two cars to four. But that probably won't happen next season, Stewart said. Asked by SPEED.com if SHR would remain a two-car team next year, Stewart said, "I would think so. We're kind of in that crunch time of the year where if a package was going to happen, it would pretty much be that the wheels would have to be in motion by now." Nevertheless, Stewart said SHR already has the infrastructure in place to expand, if need be. "The good thing is that our shop is set up and capable of doing a three-car team," Stewart said. "It's not like we have to go build a building just to do it. We have that side of it in place and have made provisions to do it, if something were to come about."(SPEED)(6-30-2011)

National Rifle Association / Bass Pro on the #39 at Daytona: Bass Pro Shops has partnered with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to sponsor the #39 Chevy driven by Ryan Newman in the Coke Zero 400 Sprint Cup race at Daytona. The one-race primary sponsorship is an extension of Bass Pro Shops' overall relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing and team co-owner Tony Stewart. Bass Pro Shops has served as an associate sponsor of Stewart-Haas Racing since the team's inception in 2009 and has been a primary sponsor of Stewart's World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team since 2005. The outdoor retailer has also been a personal sponsor of Stewart since 2002. Headquartered in Springfield, Mo., Bass Pro Shops has a long and natural affiliation with the NRA. The NRA is well-known for its defense of the second amendment, but its conservation initiatives are just as robust, assuring quality hunting opportunities for future generations through the managed use of wildlife and other natural resources.(True Speed Communications), see an image of the car on my #39 team paint schemes page.(6-28-2011)

Congresswoman renews effort to end military sponsorship: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) is readying her next move in a months-long effort to slash Pentagon spending for NASCAR and other sports sponsorships. McCollum questions whether the U.S. military should be spending hundreds of millions of dollars on sponsorship deals for sports including stock car racing, professional fishing and pro wrestling at a time when the nation is running large deficits. Military officials and congressional supporters say the sponsorships help with recruitment. McCollum has failed twice to advance proposals that would have changed the way the military awards contracts and doles out funds for those events, as well as for ultimate-fighting sponsorships. Bill Harper, McCollum's chief of staff, said the lawmaker would likely offer an amendment on the House floor to the 2012 Pentagon appropriations bill that would limit the funds the military could spend on sporting events. McCollum offered an amendment to the DOD spending bill last week that the House Appropriations Committee shot down in a voice vote. During the House Appropriations Committee markup, McCollum cited a $645,000 contract to sponsor a race in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR's top racing tour. She said the Air Guard 400, held last September in Richmond, Va., failed to deliver a single military enlistee. But a Pentagon official, in an email to McCollum's staff that was obtained by The Hill, described the event as a marketing opportunity that came at a bargain rate.(The Hill)(6-21-2011)

#39 celebrates U.S. Army's 236th Birthday & American Hero Bud Moore: It will be both an emotional and celebratory feel for U.S. Army driver Ryan Newman at this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway. Newman's #39 Chevrolet will pay tribute to the U.S. Army's 236th birthday and will honor Walter "Bud" Moore, recent NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and decorated World War II veteran. Moore was awarded two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts for his heroic fight as a machine gunner during the historic D-Day allied invasion of France's Normandy coast, which commenced on June 6, 1944. A photo of Moore as a teenage U.S. Army Soldier will be featured on the rear-quarter panel of Newman's car. The 86-year-old Moore, who will be at Michigan International Speedway to take part in U.S. Army and track festivities this weekend, was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame last month for his successful 37-year career as a car owner, which included two Cup championships and 63 race wins.
"You talk about an added incentive, I sure have a few this weekend," said Newman. "To pay tribute to Bud Moore at the race we celebrate the Army's 236th birthday is an immense honor. Throughout the course of American history it's been the Army Strong Soldiers like Bud who have put their lives on the line to protect and preserve freedom. I have personally witnessed our Soldiers' mental, emotional and physical strength and it is truly remarkable."
Newman added, "From the U.S. Army NASCAR team to all the Soldiers past and present, 'Happy Birthday U.S. Army and thank you for 236 years of Army Strong.' " For the record, the official birth of the U.S. Army was June 14, 1775.
"I am proud to have served in the Army and to be part of NASCAR's rich history," said Moore, a native of Spartanburg, S.C. "It's quite an honor to be included on Ryan's U.S. Army car, especially during the week of the Army's birthday." Newman has a pair of wins at Michigan (August 2003 & June 2004), but hasn't fared as well in recent years at the two-mile oval.(U.S. Army Racing), see images of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(6-15-2011)

Newman discusses his 'secret' fine: #39-Ryan Newman, met with members of the media at Pocono Raceway and discussed fines in NASCAR, a transcript in part:
DID YOU GET A FINE FROM NASCAR FOR SOMETHING IN THE HAULER WITH JUAN PABLO MONTOYA?
"I've always said that private things happen privately and what happens in the trailer stays in the trailer and there is a reason that we have private meetings and there is a reason that NASCAR does things the way they do."
DO YOU THINK THAT IT SHOULD MATTER TO NASCAR WHETHER IT GIVES A FINE PRIVATELY OR PUBLICALLY AS TO WHETHER ANOTHER COMPETITOR HAS THREATENED LEGAL ACTION?
"I don't know anything about the legal action part of things. I do know that when we are talking about fines, whether it is private or public, there is nothing really we should elaborate on because it is not something that our sport should be proud of or should elaborate. To me, it is something for you guys to write, but it is not something that is good for our sport so it's not something we want to keep talking about first of all. In every other sport, to my knowledge, out there has it, whether it's golf, basketball, football, whatever. I don't know how they handle it, whether it is publically, privately or both, but, I'll just say that it is a negative aspect of our sport and we should all be talking about the positive things."(Team Chevy)(6-10-2011)

Secret fine issued to Newman? NASCAR officials wouldn't say Monday whether Ryan Newman secretly was fined $50,000 for allegedly punching Juan Pablo Montoya during a meeting last month at Darlington. The two drivers were summoned to NASCAR's at-track office on May 6 to discuss their ongoing feud, and NASCAR said afterward that the meeting "did not go as well as we had hoped it would." Commenting on a meeting inside the hauler was unprecedented for NASCAR, which promised a further review of the incident. No fines were ever announced, and NASCAR said the issue was closed. But rumors of the penalty began to leak on Monday in response to NASCAR fining owner Richard Childress $150,000 for attacking Kyle Busch after Saturday's trucks race at Kansas Speedway. Newman, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp also refused to comment on whether Newman was fined. If true, it's the second time NASCAR secretly has fined Newman. He was fined in April 2010 for comments he made about the style of racing at Talladega. It was not made public until the AP learned last July that Denny Hamlin had been secretly fined $50,000 for criticizing NASCAR on Twitter. Newman then admitted he, too, had been fined.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(6-7-2011)

Hutchens out at Stewart Haas: Stewart-Haas Racing has promoted Matt Borland to vice president of competition. Matt has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since its inception as technical director, and with his extensive racing background that includes being a crew chief and competition director, he's well-suited for this new role. "Bobby Hutchens, who served as our director of competition since 2009, has been released. Bobby played an integral part in building Stewart-Haas Racing into a team that wins races and contends for championships. We're grateful for all his hard work and dedication, and I am personally appreciative for the responsibilities he took on Friday through Sunday that allowed me to be just a driver. We wish him nothing but the best. In his new role as vice president of competition, Matt Borland will serve as Stewart-Haas Racing's interim director of competition. Once that position is filled, the director of competition will report to Matt."(Stewart Haas Racing)(6-6-2011)

NASCAR "Needed To Send A Message": NASCAR's Senior Director of Communication Kerry Tharp told Sirius/XM NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that the $25,000 fines and four-race probations handed down to drivers Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch are in response to what happened on pit road after Saturday night's Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and not for anything that transpired in the final laps of the race. "We look very closely at what happens on the race track," said Tharp. "But more importantly after the race, (where) the actions of those two competitors led to putting some people in harm's way on pit road. We've got to maintain a safe environment on pit road, and we're going to maintain a safe environment there. That's why we reacted with the penalties.
Tharp said NASCAR fined both drivers equally because, "both had skin in the game. Both had opportunities to make other decisions that would not have put them in this situation, so the penalty was assessed to both." He said the sanctioning body has reached out to both Busch and Harvick to clarify what is expected of them going forward, saying, "Anytime we penalize a driver, we have a conversation with that individual and their team owner. We feel like we owe it to both parties to give them a heads-up on what the penalties will be, so they can notify their respective teams and sponsors. We've had conversations with Kevin and Kyle and explained why we were penalizing them."
He said the penalties do not signal a change in NASCAR's "Boys Have At It" policy, adding, "The drivers have done a very good job of that. We've seen some terrific, hard racing over the last couple of years, and I think (the policy) is alive and well. We certainly want it to be.
Newman-Montoya: Tharp said he does not expect NASCAR to sanction either #39-Ryan Newman or #42-Juan Pablo Montoya for a reported physical confrontation during a closed-door meeting at Darlington Raceway last Friday. "You go into some meetings thinking they're going to go well, and most of the time they hit the mark. Sometimes, they don't," he said. "We met with Ryan and Juan Friday and made it clear to them that this was their final warning and we will be watching them very closely. I believe both of them understood where we were coming from. They got the message, loud and clear. They raced hard Saturday night at Darlington, but they raced cleanly. I believe they will continue to do so moving forward."(Sirius Speedway)(5-11-2011)

NASCAR will look into driver altercations: NASCAR will address altercations that occurred between Ryan Newman and Juan Pablo Montoya in the sanctioning body's hauler and the dustup on and off the track between Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch. "We'll look at both of those," Kerry Tharp, NASCAR's senior director of communications, said Sunday morning. Montoya requested a meeting with NASCAR after his feud with Newman was reignited at Richmond International Raceway last weekend. Newman and officials from Stewart Haas Racing elected to meet with NASCAR immediately after the Richmond race. When the drivers gathered in the hauler on Friday morning, a punch was thrown by Newman, according to sources. Harvick vs. Busch came to a crescendo last November at Homestead Miami Speedway when the driver of the #29 complained that Busch was racing him too hard and Harvick then dumped Busch's #18 Toyota, which erupted into flames. The rivalry was rekindled Saturday night at Darlington Raceway on the second-to-last restart on Lap 363 as the drivers jockeyed for position among the top 10 on the lead lap. After the race, Harvick chased Busch onto the entrance of pit road, where the #29 crew waited to defend their driver. Harvick climbed from the car and approached Busch's vehicle. Harvick attempted to throw a haymaker, but Busch hit the gas and plowed the #29 into the wall. Both drivers were called to the NASCAR hauler after the incident. The last time a NASCAR driver intentionally hit another car on pit road was Steven Wallace at Memphis Motorsports Park in October 2009. Wallace was fined $5,000 and placed on probation.(Fox Sports)(5-9-2011)

Montoya, Newman fued continues at Darlington: Tempers were still raging Friday between #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #39-Ryan Newman, who had a heated discussion at Darlington Raceway about an extended on-track feud. Newman, asked if he hit Montoya during what sources called a heated session inside the NASCAR hauler, said, "That's speculation." Asked the same question Montoya said, "I don't know. Ask him." Both drivers tried to downplay their latest flare-up in their morning media sessions, but a later meeting moderated by NASCAR did not go well. The two were called in to discuss their actions last Saturday night at Richmond, where Newman wrecked Montoya early in the race, and Montoya later retaliated by intentionally crashing Newman. "We did have a meeting with both Ryan and Juan relative to their incident, and we made it clear to them that this is their final warning. We also made it clear to them that we will be watching them very closely," NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. "The meeting did not go as well as we had hoped it would." NASCAR told the two drivers the discussion is not finished.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(5-6-2011)
UPDATE: The Juan Pablo Montoya/Ryan Newman feud erupted Friday afternoon at Darlington Raceway. Sources tell FOXSports.com that an altercation broke out between the drivers in the NASCAR hauler, the sanctioning body's at-track office where private meetings can be held. One source told FOXSports.com that Montoya said after the incident that "Newman hits like a girl." When asked directly about the incident after his qualifying run Friday, Montoya said, "I'm not going to tell you s---. Let's leave it at that. What happened in the trailer was between me, Ryan Newman and NASCAR. That's it." Asked about whether Newman threw a punch, Montoya smiled and said, "That's just speculation. "It was a private meeting; that's why we met in the hauler."(Fox Sports)(5-7-2011)

U.S. Army Racing Joins Forces with Revolution Racing: The U.S. Army announced a partnership with Revolution Racing and NASCAR's Drive for Diversity (D4D) program for the 2011 season. During the upcoming racing campaign, the Army will serve as one of the primary sponsors for Revolution Racing in NASCAR's K&N Pro Series races and as an associate sponsor for the entire roster of Revolution Racing drivers in both the K&N Pro Series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (US Army Racing). More info on my Driver Development News and Links page.(4-30-2011)

Newman's Car to Pay Tribute to U.S. Army Medical Personnel: Ryan Newman's U.S. Army Chevrolet for Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway will pay tribute to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and the men and women who comprise the specialized Army Health Care Team. Newman's #39 Chevy will display Army Medicine on the hood and rear-quarter panels during the Crown Royal Presents Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 short track event. The AMEDD logo will also be included on the hood. "Showcasing Army Medicine on U.S. Army Chevrolet presents an excellent opportunity to not only recognize and honor the dedicated men and women of the Army Health Care Team but to raise awareness of the more than 80 medical career specialties available in the U.S. Army," said Col. Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command.
The U.S. Army Health Care Team is made up of six corps, each with a specific function.
* Dental Corps -- oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics and orthodontics
* Medical Corps -- more than 40 specialties, including internal medicine, neurosurgery, pathology and psychiatry
* Medical Service Corps -- behavioral psychology, entomology, hospital administration and nuclear engineering
* Medical Specialist Corps -- patient care, wellness education, injury prevention
* Nurse Corps -- critical care nursing, medical surgical nursing and community nursing
* Veterinary Corps -- animal medicine, veterinary public health, food inspection and research
As an incentive for medical-career students to join the Army Health Care Team, the U.S. Army offers a range of financial assistance and educational benefits.
"Before I get to Richmond I plan on visiting our brave Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center," noted Newman. "I am so impressed with the professional care and medical services that are provided to our heroes. It's a moving and inspiring experience each time I visit Walter Reed and it will be an honor to drive a car that will pay tribute to all the personnel of the U.S. Army Medical Department."(US Army Racing), see an image on my #39 Team Schemes page.(4-26-2011)

Newman's Car Will Pay Tribute To U.S. Army Reserve in Texas: Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy will pay tribute to the men and women of the Army Reserve in Saturday night's Samsung Mobile 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. The paint scheme on the hood and rear-quarter panel of Newman's car will showcase Army Reserve, which is the Federal Reserve force of the U.S. Army. Founded in 1908, Reserve Soldiers receive the same training as active-duty Soldiers and are offered the opportunity to serve near home until they are needed to deploy. Reserve Soldiers combine civilian experience with military training to provide specialized skills for military missions around the world. "This is another excellent opportunity for our high-profile U.S. Army NASCAR team to educate young Americans about the many career options available in the U.S. Army," said Col. Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "For 103 years now, our Army Reserve Soldiers have been integral in preserving freedom and maintaining a strong nation in both their military and civilian roles."
"It's an honor and inspiration for our U.S. Army Racing team to recognize the dedicated Reserve Soldiers," said Newman. "It's our goal to contend for the win and produce plenty of exposure for the U.S. Army Reserve. Of course, the coolest tribute would be to drive the Army Reserve Chevrolet to Victory Lane."(US Army Racing). See an image of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(4-5-2011)

Newman's Chevy to Pay Tribute to Army's Partnership for Youth Success: Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy at this weekend's Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway will pay tribute to the Army's Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS), a program which gives Soldiers from the Army and Army Reserve a leg up on civilian employment. Under the PaYS program, when a Soldier leaves active-duty or Initial Entry Training (IET) for the Army Reserve, they will receive a guaranteed job interview with the civilian employer they chose as part of their enrollment in the program. Currently, there are approximately 400 companies participating in PaYS, more than 50 of which are Fortune 500 companies. The logos for PaYS and Haas Automation, a new partner to the PaYS program, will be featured on the hood of Newman's Chevy. Haas Automation, which is based in Oxnard, Calif., is America's leading builder of CNC machine tools and co-owner of the Stewart-Haas Racing team. The company was founded by Gene Haas in 1983. Haas Automation will receive its PaYS certification during an Army ceremony at Auto Club Speedway. More than 18,000 Soldiers are enrolled in the PaYS program for fiscal year 2011 and more than 120,000 Soldiers have taken part in PaYS since the program's inception in 2000.(US Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on the #39 Team Schemes page.(3-22-2011)

Forbes names most valuable NASCAR teams & highest paid drivers: The weak economy has pummeled NASCAR over the past three years, with sponsorships, merchandise sales, race winnings and subsidies from automakers falling. Fans have tuned out, sending TV ratings down 24% since 2006 and leaving more than 40,000 empty seats at some races last year. One of its longest-tenured teams, Richard Petty Motorsports, was scrambling for cash on a week-to-week basis so it could race on weekends last fall. Is NASCAR headed for a full-blown meltdown? Hardly. Yes, the value of the top 10 teams slid 5% in 2010, on average, to $136 million by [Forbes] count, as prize money dropped and sponsors dialed back their commitment, but a rebound in 2011 for the sport is a strong possibility. NASCAR's strongest and most valuable team remains Hendrick Motorsports. With a valuation of $350 million on revenues of $177 million in 2010, Hendrick is worth 56% more than the next-highest-grossing team, Roush Fenway Racing, which [Forbes] value at $224 million on revenues of $140 million last year. Hendrick earned a NASCAR-high $18 million in operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) in 2010. Richard Childress Racing was third on the list, followed by Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing. Rounding out the top 10: Stewart-Haas, Michael Waltrip Racing, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Red Bull Racing.
AND: Despite his lack of success in recent years on the track, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains NASCAR's highest-paid driver, earning $29 million in 2010 thanks to merchandise sales that are the best in the sport and reportedly account for one-third of all NASCAR licensed merchandise sales. Other income streams include a 10-figure annual salary from Hendrick and a 50% share of his $4.9 million in winnings and bonuses in 2010 from Sprint Cup races. Earnhardt also has a bevy of personal endorsements, including Chevrolet, Nationwide and Wrangler. Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon follows Earnhardt in the NASCAR money standings with earnings of $25 million last year. It is a clean sweep for Hendrick at the top with five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, the third-highest-paid driver at $24 million. The rest of the top 10: Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, and Matt Kenseth.(Forbes)(2-24-2011)

Newman racing for the troops at Daytona: Our service men and women are making remarkable personal sacrifices for our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other forward operating bases around the world. That's why #39-Ryan Newman and Coca-Cola have teamed up with the USO to provide a touch of home to our troops wherever they serve -- from free phone cards to care packages full of much needed items, entertainment tours to just a simple hug. To make a tax-deductible donation today to help support our troops, lift their spirits, and honor their service go to uso.org/DonateRyanNewman/.(2-20-2011)

U.S. Army defends NASCAR sponsorship: The U.S. Army, which represents Ryan Newman and his #39 Chevy, defended its NASCAR sponsorship on Friday after a Minnesota congresswoman recently targeted the Army's motorsports funding as a waste of money. Lieutenant General Benjamin Freakley said the $7.4 million per year the Army is spending to sponsor NASCAR is being put to good use, as he estimates 46,000 leads have come directly from NASCAR and the environment gives recruiters a great way to reach young people. "We know this is having an impact on recruiting and helping our recruiters with their jobs," Freakley said Friday. "The alternative to this is having a recruiter walk up and down a mall and talking to about 150 people just to get one person to engage them." The Marines, Navy and Coast Guard dropped their NASCAR sponsorships in 2006 — but Freakley still sees NASCAR as a crucial recruiting ground. "This is sort of America's sport, and the United States Army is America's team," Freakley said. "I have to invest in awareness. In some venue or another, I have to make some form of investment to make the American people aware of their army. And this is what we think is a good investment."(Orlando Sentinel)(2-19-2011)

Minnesota Congresswoman wants to ban military from NASCAR sponsorships UPDATE: Rep. Betty McCollum wants to put the brakes on the Defense Department's 10-year sponsorship deal with NASCAR racing teams, saying the multimillion-dollar recruiting effort is a waste of money. The Minnesota Democrat is also dubious that stock car sponsorship has much to do with enlistment numbers or troop readiness. "This is not only putting a sticker on the car. This is paying for a racing team," Ms. McCollum's chief of staff, Bill Harper, told Washington Wire. "That doesn't contribute to military readiness." The amendment is one of more than 400 that lawmakers want attached to Rep. Paul Ryan's spending bill to fund the government through Sept. 30. Ms. McCollum's office estimates the Pentagon has spent more than $100 million on its own NASCAR teams. Col. Derik Crotts, director of the army's sponsorship, told Washington Wire in an email that the Army spends $7 million a year on its racing team, and finds it valuable. "Youth surveys show that motorsports is a passion point for young Americans," wrote Col. Crotts. "It is critical that the Army use these passion points to communicate with prospects and their influencers." He continued, "In a 2009 among nationwide fans, 37% feel more positive about the Army due to its involvement in motorsports."(Wall Street Journal)(2-16-2011)
UPDATE: Congresswoman Betty McCollum's amendment to ban military sponsorship of NASCAR teams suffered a defeat Friday night but she is pressing forward with the amendment. After a brief period of debate on the amendment, which McCollum introduced Monday, a voice vote was held with the no votes prevailing. McCollum (D-Minn.), however, "demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced,'' according to the website for the Office of the Cleak for the U.S. House of Representatives. So, the matter is not dead. In essence, she wants everyone's vote to be recorded publicly instead of hidden behind a voice vote.(Virginian Pilot)(2-18-2011)
Death Threat: Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum received a death threat on Wednesday over her proposal to end Pentagon funding for NASCAR. McCollum said she thinks the army-sponsored car is a waste of taxpayers' money and should be eliminated. The fax received by her office contained vulgar language directed at the congresswoman, telling her to shut her (expletive) "pie hole," and featured a cartoon of President Barack Obama's head being pulled behind a truck in a noose. The letter also called for the deaths of all Marxists, and referred to the president, McCollum and Attorney General Eric Holder as "Marxist thugs." The violent imagery and phrases come just one month after Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot at a campaign rally, despite public campaigns for more reasoned and respectful political discourse.(myfoxtwincities.com)(2-18-2011)
Lawmakers reject congresswoman's effort to stop NASCAR sponsorship: The House has voted to let the Pentagon continue using taxpayer dollars to sponsor NASCAR race teams. By a 281-148 vote, lawmakers rejected an effort by Minnesota Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum that would have ended the practice. McCollum aides said the Army is spending $7 million on a sponsorship this year, and the Air Force and National Guard are spending additional money. Most Democrats backed McCollum's effort, while Republicans voted overwhelmingly against it.(Associated Press)(2-18-2011)

Wix teams up with Stewart Haas Racing: WIX Filters has joined Stewart-Haas Racing as the team's official filter. The two-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team will use WIX Filters in Tony Stewart's #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy and Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army/Tornados/Haas Automation Chevy. To kick off the partnership, WIX Filters will be the primary sponsor of Newman and the #39 team in the Feb. 12 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. WIX Filters will rejoin Newman and the #39 team as primary sponsor for the Aug. 21 Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, where Newman is a two-time Sprint Cup race victor and a one-time pole winner. When not serving as a primary sponsor, WIX Filters will have brand identification beneath the hoods of both Stewart-Haas Racing entries and on the sleeve of Newman's uniform.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(1-19-2011)

Furniture Row aligns w/Stewart-Haas Racing for pit crew: Regan Smith's #78 over-the-wall pit crew for Furniture Row Racing will be employed and trained by Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. "We are excited to partner with SHR as it relates to the pit crew," said Joe Garone, Furniture Row Racing general manager. "After reviewing SHR's program, personnel and facility we are confident that SHR will deliver a crew that meets all of our objectives." The #78 pit crew will be under the supervision of SHR pit crew coach Joe Piette, who also oversees the pit crews for Tony Stewart's #14 team and Ryan Newman's #39 team. The SHR team is based in Kannapolis, N.C. "We are very excited about our new partnership with Furniture Row Racing and having the opportunity to help contribute to the growth of their program, while also giving our pit crew the chance to compete and improve on a weekly basis," said Bobby Hutchens, director of competition, Stewart-Haas Racing. The first race for the new Furniture Row Racing pit crew will be the invitational Budweiser Shootout, Feb. 12 at Daytona International Speedway. Smith qualified for the non-points race on the basis of being a former NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie of the year (2008). The first Sprint Cup points race is the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.(Furniture Row Racing)(1-11-2011)

Races [14] that the US Army has been the primary sponsor in 2010:
Daytona - 2/14
Texas - 4/18, Army ROTC
Darlington - 5/8, Army Medical
Dover - 5/16
Charlotte - 5/30
Michigan - 6/13
Pocono - 8/1
Watkins Glen - 8/8
Atlanta - 9/5, Army Reserve
Richmond - 9/11
New Hampshire - 9/19
Kansas - 10/3
Talldega - 10/31
Phoenix - 11/14, Veterans Day
see images of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page

Races [12] that Haas Automation has been the primary sponsor in 2010:
Budweiser Shootout / Daytona - 2/6
Auto Club - 2/21
Bristol - 3/21
Martinsville - 3/29
Talladega - 4/25
Darlington - 5/8
Pocono - 6/6
Infineon Raceway - 6/20
New Hampshire - 6/27
Chicago - 7/10
Indianapolis - 7/25
Dover - 9/26
Charlotte - 10/16
see images of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page

Races [9] that Tornados is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2010:
Las Vegas - 2/28
Atlanta - 3/7
Phoenix - 4/10
Charlotte - All Star Race - 5/22
Daytona - 7/3
Michigan - 8/15
Auto Club Speedway - 10/10
Martinsville - 10/24
Texas - 11/7
see images of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page

Races [1] that WIX Filters is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 2010:
Bristol - 8/21

U.S. Army Renews with Stewart-Haas Racing: The U.S. Army Accessions Command announced that the U.S. Army has renewed its motorsports partnerships with Don Schumacher Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing for 2011. The U.S. Army will again sponsor Tony Schumacher's Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, while Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy will sport the U.S. Army colors as the primary sponsor for 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races next season. The U.S. Army also is set to continue its associate sponsorship with NHRA Full Throttle driver Antron Brown in 2011, as well as its role as the official military partner of the NHRA. The 2011 campaign will be the U.S. Army's ninth as a primary car sponsor in NASCAR and its third teamed up with Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing.
"It's been an awesome responsibility and honor to represent more than one million Army Strong Soldiers," said Newman. "The Army branding on our Chevrolet and uniforms inspires every individual on the #39 team. I can't think of having better teammates than our brave Soldiers who have dedicated their lives to preserve our freedom. There is nothing we want more than to drive the Soldiers' car to victory lane." In addition to serving as the primary sponsor for 15 races, including the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the #39 car for the remaining races. The U.S. Army also will serve as an associate sponsor on Tony Stewart's #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy.
"We're honored to continue the strong partnership with the U.S. Army," said Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing along with Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world. "Together, we have accomplished great things both on and off the track, and shared some very impactful experiences with the Soldiers who defend our country. Those brave men and women are inspiring to all of us at Stewart-Haas Racing, and we're proud to represent them again in 2011."
The U.S. Army Motorsports Program began in September 2000 when Congress directed the Secretary of the Army to conduct a five-year motorsports outreach test. In 2003, building upon the success of the NHRA program, NASCAR was added. In addition to sponsorship of Newman and Schumacher, the programs also include an educational outreach to high school, vo-tech and junior college students focusing on career planning, goal setting, and career opportunities in motorsports and the Army. On-site interactive displays also allow prospects and their influencers to experience what it is like to be a Soldier and to interact with Soldiers (US Army)(11-30-2010)

Newman loses transmission in an odd way: #39-Ryan Newman qualified 23rd for the Ford 400, but he won't know what getting to run in the first 20 minutes of Friday's only Sprint Cup practice would mean until race day, because thanks to an apparent miscommunication, Newman broke the transmission in his Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy while still in the garage and missed almost the first quarter of practice. The incident occurred when about half a dozen cars, including Newman's, were misdirected to the wrong gate to get from the Sprint Cup garage to pit road. Newman declined to discuss the issue, but his crew chief, Tony Gibson, explained. "When the race track sends everybody out, normally that gate [at the start/finish end of the garage] is open," Gibson said. "Well, they had it blocked, so they were shipping everybody down between the garages [to a gate further up the back of pit road], where they were lined up. But then they locked that gate and made us go back [through the garage to the original gate]."
Greg Biffle explained there were no NASCAR officials at the usual gate when he got there, and a track security guard waved him up to the other gate, where he lined up behind Jamie McMurray, Kevin Harvick and in front of Newman. A NASCAR official then let McMurray onto pit road but stopped Harvick. Biffle drove around Harvick and did a "three-point turn" to make the right-hand shift into the opening under the pit suites to get back into the garage -- and back in line for practice. Harvick then put his car into reverse and abruptly backed up, almost hitting Newman, who had started to pull up behind him. "Trying to get everybody to come around and through that hole wasn't going to happen," Gibson said. "Guys were backing-up into other guys, so we put it in reverse to back-up in a hurry to keep Harvick from hitting us and it broke the transmission. We don't use reverse a lot and it's a lot thinner than our primary gears." Newman immediately took his car to its garage stall, where the crew spent about the first 20 minutes of practice changing the transmission. However, the lower qualifying position aside, Newman will not be penalized for the transmission change -- which, if it occurred at the wrong point of the weekend, would have sent his car to the rear for the start. "NASCAR was good about it, [Sprint Cup director John] Darby and them, and they let us change it without a penalty," Gibson said. "Darby said it wouldn't have been a penalty because it was before practice, but he said under the circumstances it was their fault -- not NASCAR but the race track kind of screwed up -- so NASCAR was nice enough to work with us."(NASCAR.com)(11-20-2010)

Congrats: #39-Ryan Newman twittered: "We have a little baby girl! Mom and baby are both doing great! Our beautiful baby girl is named Brooklyn Sage Newman!"(11-18-2010)

Special guests for #39 team: The U.S. Army Racing team will have a number of special south Florida guests at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Huston, a Purple Heart recipient, who served two deployments in Iraq. He is currently a detail recruiter with the Miami Recruiting Battalion at the Delray Beach, Fla. Recruiting Station. Four south Florida high school football stars will receive their U.S. Army All American Bowl jerseys on stage during Sunday's Ford 400 prerace ceremonies. The four players are: Jacoby Brissett, quarterback & Nick O'Leary, tight end, Dwyer High School, Palm Beach Gardens. O'Leary is the grandson of golf legend Jack Nicklaus; Gerrod Holliman, defensive back, Southridge High School, Miami; Wayne Lyons, defensive back, Dillard High School, Fort Lauderdale.(US Army Racing)(11-18-2010)

Newman still on baby watch: #39-Ryan Newman is soon to become a first-time father. His wife Krisse is due shortly, and in case baby Newman arrives this weekend, four-time NASCAR truck champion Ron Hornaday will be ready to step in as the team's substitute driver. "This is an exciting time for Krissie and me and if things work out where Ron will need to get in the car I know he will do a good job," said Newman. "He did get some seat time in the #39 during a practice session in Phoenix." Though Newman is on baby watch, he is still keeping his racing focus as he prepares for his ninth start at the 1.5-mile Homestead track. In his previous eight starts, he has scored two top 10s (US Army Racing)(11-18-2010)

The U.S. Army Racing team will have a number of special Arizona guests at Phoenix International Raceway.
• Luis Rodriguez Jr., an 85-year-old WWII veteran whose face will be one of the 500 on Ryan Newman's #39 Veterans Day car. Rodriguez is a resident of Sahuarita, Ariz.
• Staff Sgt. Steve Cerritos, a Tucson recruiter who served in Afghanistan. Cerritos is currently working towards a master's degree in business administration and plans to pursue a commission from the U.S. Army and complete his military career as an Army officer.
• Todd Peat, a defensive lineman for Corona del Sol High School in Tempe. Peat has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl, Jan. 8, 2011 at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas. He will receive his Army All American Bowl jersey on stage during Sunday's prerace ceremonies.
• Christopher Sloan, who plays the mellophone in the Union High School marching band in Casa Grande. Sloan has been selected to be a member of the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. He will join an elite group of musicians who will perform at halftime in the Army All American Bowl game. He will also receive his Army All American jersey on stage during Sunday's prerace ceremonies.(U.S. Army Racing), see images of the car on my #39 Team Schemes page.(11-14-2010)

Newman to run Veterans Day scheme at Phoenix UPDATE - images: The U.S. Army and Stewart-Haas Racing announced a special paint scheme for Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy which gives veterans the opportunity to put their faces on the Soldiers' car running in the Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 14. Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who have embraced the call of duty and helped build and protect our country at www.goarmy.com/yourphotohere.
All veterans are eligible for inclusion among the photos in the special paint scheme. Images of Soldiers will be collected through Sept. 24. Those selected will be featured on the hood, trunk, side panels and bumpers when Newman gets behind the wheel of the #39 U.S. Army Chevrolet in Phoenix.
"What a cool way for us to say 'thank you' and honor the Army Strong Soldiers who have served our country," said Newman. "This is the Soldiers' car and having the faces of the brave men and women of the U.S. Army represented will be a great inspiration and a powerful reminder of what it means to be Army Strong."
The special paint scheme will serve as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) when, as a country, we honor and remember the heroism, courage and dedication displayed by our veterans. While the nation remembers the service of its veterans, the millions watching the Kobalt Tools 500 at home and the tens of thousands more at the track will get a chance to see some of the faces who represent the true heroes of the Army.
"Every time Ryan Newman drives the #39 Chevrolet with the Army colors, he represents the more than one million men and women who proudly serve our Nation," said Col. Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "For this race, with this paint scheme, we pay tribute to our heroes past and present and their families. Each picture, each face, is a reminder of the sacrifice and service of the millions who have made our Army strong and our nation free."(U.S. Army)(9-21-2010)
UPDATE - Newman's Army Car to Feature Faces of More Than 500 Veterans at PRI: More than 500 faces of military veterans will grace Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy in Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. The special paint scheme serves as an extension of Veterans Day (Nov. 11), an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. The 500 plus faces on Newman's Veterans Day car represent multiple generations of men and women who embraced the call of duty, dating back to the World War I era. Among the photos submitted through www.goarmy.com was from World War II veteran and Arizona resident Luis Rodriguez Jr. who will attend Sunday's race as a guest of the U.S. Army race team. Rodriguez, 85, served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the 118th General Hospital, a U.S. Army military hospital located in New South Wales, Australia. He is a resident of Sahuarita, Ariz. (15 miles south of Tucson).(U.S. Army Racing), see images of the car on my #39 Team Schemes page.(11-8-2010)

Hornsday to standby for Newman: Stewart-Haas Racing announced Friday that Ron Hornaday will be #39-Ryan Newman's relief driver the final three weeks should Newman have to leave the track to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.(Roanoke Times)(11-6-2010)

Newman Gives Winners A Memorable Weekend At Talladega: Roger and Mary Bierden of Coushatta, LA were the big winners in the "Fish with Ryan Newman" raffle. The Bierden's, who are regulars at Talladega Superspeedway, were given all-access passes to the garage and pit road area where they were introduced to Newman, the #39 crew and were able to witness the inner workings of NASCAR and the teams that compete week to week. Once qualifying was over on Saturday, the Bierden's were taken to a spot that's been a favorite to Newman and other celebrities over the year. The three loaded up their rods and tackle and fished the remainder of the afternoon.
"I had fun with Roger and Mary (Bierden)," said Newman who spent the day prior fishing and learning what the bass were biting. "They're both down to earth and genuinely good people. I don't think they do a lot of fishing, but Mary didn't do too badly. Roger said the trip was for her, so he kicked back in the boat and let me and her fish."
Once the sun went down, everyone gathered at the camp for a cookout and share their tales about the big one that got away. Crew Chief Tony Gibson, crew members and even sponsor representatives were present and all had their "big fish" stories. "The lake we fish at is pretty well known in the garage area and the bass are a good size," said Newman who caught his on spinner bait and worms. "I know Dale Earnhardt, Buddy Baker and even Bill Jordon have all fished there over the years. It's just a great, secluded place to get away from the race track and relax for a while.
I hope Roger and Mary had a good experience. The raffle was something new, and I feel like it was a success and look forward to doing other events like this to help raise funds and awareness to the Foundation." On raceday, the Bierden's had the opportunity to walk to driver introductions and watch the drivers walk out on stage, take photos with Ryan at the car and watch the race from the pits.
"We would like to thank Ryan for a fun race and fishing weekend at Talladega," said Mary Bierden. "We had a great time. Getting to visit with Ryan was a pleasure for us and fishing was a blast. We caught some nice bass and got to cook out with Ryan and his team. Ryan cooks the best cheeseburgers. Going in the pits and getting our picture made with Ryan at the car and meeting Krissie was an experience we will never forget. It was a fantastic weekend. Thank you Ryan, Shelly, and Mary for making this a weekend we will never forget."(Ryan Newman Foundation)(11-4-2010)

Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams Announce Partnership: NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie flew to Proctor & Gamble's Pet Care facility in Mason, OH last week where they announced a partnership with the Iams brand. "It was nice to meet the Pet Care employees and get to see the place," said Newman. Michel Brousset of Iams presented a contribution of $50,000 to the Ryan Newman Foundation to help continue its efforts in animal welfare on and off the race track. Iams also presented a special "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Helen Woodward Animal Center President and Iams Home 4 the Holidays founder Mike Arms. Mike Arms has played an instrumental role in Krissie Newman's life and how she handles the day to day operations of the Foundation. Her plans to create an animal center in North Carolina that will resemble the Helen Woodward Animal Center will serve as a model for the animal welfare and education throughout the United States.
Earlier this year, Iams donated dog and cat food to the Ryan Newman Foundation to help support the AniMeals program. The program was founded by the Helen Woodward Center with the help of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County in North Carolina to provide free pet food deliveries to patient's home. It was the hope of the Foundation that by assisting Hospice families with AniMeals, they will not only help feed the pets of the families in need, but also, as a part of the Foundation mission, keep pets in their homes and out of shelters. More info at ryannewmanfoundation.org.(11-4-2010)

A Hall-Worthy Career for Jim Halsey: You didn't see him working beneath the hood of a racecar or in many victory lane photos, but Jim Halsey has been an integral part of the success of Stewart-Haas Racing. Hired in December 2001 at what used to be Haas CNC Racing, Halsey has served as SHR's director of purchasing, where he managed all matters relating to procurement. The native of Norco, Calif., will retire on Dec. 17 where in his first official act as a retiree, will spend large amounts of time with his family. Halsey was the very first employee of Haas CNC Racing, and he relocated to North Carolina from Southern California. Now, as he readies to return to California, Halsey is being remembered for his tireless efforts on behalf of Haas CNC Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. "Years of dedication and an excellent body of work define Jim Halsey," said Gene Haas, co-owner of SHR and founder of Haas Automation, the largest machine tool manufacturer in the western world. "SHR and, I personally, will miss Jim. We wish him the best going forward." A replacement to oversee purchasing at SHR has not been named.(SHR)(11-3-2010)

Stewart still has goal of 4 car team: During a NASCAR teleconference, #14-Tony Stewart was asked about plans to expand his Stewart-Hass team.
Q. Have you considered adding a third member to your team or is everything still in a hold position?
Stewart: Well, we're at the end of October. If we were going to do that, we would have liked to have had it started and had the decision made by the middle of summer. It's not going to happen for next year. We obviously would love it. The goal of the organization is to be a four-car team eventually. Yes, I mean, down the road we want to have a third team and a fourth team after that. Like you said, there's a lot of challenges right now in the sport. It's hard keeping the two cars that we have financed right now. It is something we want to do. It didn't work out to do for us for the 2011 season. When we get the right opportunity, and the right partner and driver, if we can get that combination, we're definitely interested in that for sure.(Chevy PR)(10-29-2010)

Newman's team pretty well set on sponsorship: from a Stewart Haas Racing Transcript, Mobil 1 Sponsorship Announcement:
Tony, is the 14 car now totally sold as far as primary sponsorship for 2011, or are you still looking for more? Can you update us on the 39 as well? Are Army and Tornados returning?
TONY STEWART: "Everything is good on the 39 car there with Tornados and U.S. Army coming back. We're in good shape on the 14 car now. This has fulfilled what we're looking for to fill the void for Old Spice next year. It allows us to now put that project behind us. We're still always looking for new partners. You never stop in that category. You're always looking to bring new people into the sport and even if it's not at a co-primary position, you're always looking for associate sponsors. So the search, necessarily, isn't over. But this does fill the void from the Old Spice brand leaving at the end of the year. On Ryan's car, we're still looking for some associate sponsorship also, but we're very happy that Tornados and U.S. Army are coming back again. Exciting to have new partners that have come into the sport that are excited and happy with what we're doing and that want to return. So very happy with the way things are going right now."(Stewart Haas Racing)(10-15-2010)

Mobil 1 to Sponsor Stewart-Haas Racing: ExxonMobil signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing beginning in 2011. The new agreement allows ExxonMobil to build on Mobil 1's "Official Motor Oil of NASCAR" designation and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to NASCAR. "With Mobil 1's long tradition of partnering with world-class race teams around the globe, we are proud of our new association with one of NASCAR's top drivers," said Nigel Searl, vice president marketing, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. "We look forward to helping Stewart-Haas Racing secure a Sprint Cup Series championship and add to the list of successful teams that Mobil 1 has supported for more than 30 years."
Mobil 1 will serve as the co-primary sponsor of the #14 Chevy with Office Depot, the "Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR." Mobil 1 will be prominently featured on the hood of Stewart's car for 11 races, while taking a high-profile associate role in the remaining 25 races, as well as the two non-point races. In addition, ExxonMobil will provide Mobil 1 lubricant technology and engineering support to Stewart-Haas Racing and Mobil 1 will be an associate sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy, which is also fielded by Stewart-Haas Racing.
"As a team owner, I'm absolutely thrilled to add such a respected technology partner to our race team," said Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. "And as a driver, it's exciting to partner with a brand that has such an incredible racing pedigree. ExxonMobil is committed to producing the highest-quality racing motor oil and shares the same winning attitude that champions must have to succeed at this level."
Mobil 1 has been the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR since 2003 and is used by more than 50 percent of the teams in NASCAR's top-three series.(Stewart-Haas Racing), see image of the scheme on my 2011 #14 Team Scheme page.(10-12-2010)

Mobil 1 to the #14? UPDATE 2: Stewart Haas Racing has emerged as the leading candidate to get the Mobil 1 sponsorship that Penske Racing will vacate in 2011, when it switches to Pennzoil as sponsor for Kurt Busch (in the #22 Dodge). If SHR lands Mobil 1, it will replace Old Spice as the co-primary sponsor of Tony Stewart's #14 Chevy. The team's other car, Ryan Newman's #39, will have the U.S. Army and Tornado's back for part-time schedules next year and is trying to woo Wix Filters for a partial schedule as well.(Ford Racing), Wix Filters will be the sponsor for Newman this week at Bristol, see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(8-17-2010)
UPDATE: from a Team Chevy Press Conference Transcript, Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports:

Q) WITH QUAKER STATE ON YOUR CARS NOW, DOES THAT MEAN THAT STEWART-HAAS HAS TO USE QUAKER STATE NOW?
Hendrick: "No. The folks that rent or lease motors for us, do whatever they want to do. That's their call."(Team Chevy)(9-5-2010)
UPDATE 2: Stewart-Haas Racing has scheduled a news conference Tuesday and is expected to announce Mobil 1 will be a sponsor for the team next season.(Ronoke Times)(10-9-2010)

Drivers visiting Walter Reed: NASCAR's annual visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center is set for Thursday, with a total of 10 drivers scheduled to attend along with NASCAR President Mike Helton. Drivers expected to visit include #43-AJ Allmendinger, #16-Greg Biffle, #2-Kurt Busch, #38-David Gilliland,#17-Matt Kenseth, #12-Brad Keselowski, #98-Paul Menard, #87-Joe Nemechek, #39-Ryan Newman and #82-Scott Speed. Show cars on display are expected to be #39 U.S. ARMY Chevy, #88 National Guard Chevy, #99 Scotts Ford, #2 Miller Lite Dodge, #11 FedEx Toyota, #24 National Guard Chevy, #10 Sprint show car and a NASCAR/Walter Reed Army Medical Center car.(NASCAR)(9-22-2010)

Dog Living Magazine Develops Program to Benefit Ryan Newman Foundation: Dog Living Magazine, a Wilmington, NC based publication has developed a subscription donation program to benefit the Ryan Newman Foundation. For each paid subscription to the bi-monthly magazine, the foundation will receive $10.00 to help enrich the lives of animals across the country. Subscriptions can be ordered online at doglivingmagazine.com using the promo code listed below. There is a space just above the "Buy Now" button indicating where subscribers should enter the promo code.
Organization: Ryan Newman Foundation
Promo Code: RNF100
This program is good for both new Dog Living Magazine subscriptions and renewals, but may not be used for previously purchased subscriptions (9-8-2010)

Newman's Car to Pay Tribute to U.S. Army Reserve in Atlanta: The paint scheme on Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy in Sunday night's Emory Healthcare 500 Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Army Reserve. Founded in 1908, the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) is the federal reserve force of the U.S. Army. Reserve Soldiers receive the same training as active-duty Soldiers and are offered the opportunity to serve near home until they are needed to deploy. Reserve Soldiers combine civilian experience with military training to provide specialized skills for military missions around the world. "The U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers have played a vital dual role in maintaining a strong nation – both in their military and civilian careers," said Newman. "It is truly an honor for our team to recognize the dedicated Reserve Soldiers on our #39 Chevrolet in Atlanta. We like the ultra-fast Atlanta track and it is our goal to put the Army Reserve Chevrolet in position to contend for the race win."(US Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2010)

Newman wins Bristol Modified race: Ryan Newman began his August race week on a high note taking home the victory in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 at Bristol Motor Speedway Wednesday night after battling with modified legends Ted Christopher and Mike Stefanik at the front of the pack all evening. After leading much of the event, Christopher's evening went up in smoke near the end of the race due to engine problems, leaving the door open for Stefanik to steal the win. Newman, however, had other plans and raced his way by Stefanik and in to victory lane. "This might be my best win here," Newman said. "It was a fun race, and a great race at Bristol. Glad I ended up in victory lane. It was a good race at Bristol." James Civali finished third, followed by Bobby Santos and Todd Szegedy.(BMS)(8-19-2010)

WIX Filters on Newman's car: Ryan Newman and his #39 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevy will be sponsored by WIX Filters at Bristol Motor Speedway in a one race deal (SHR), see an image of the WIX scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(8-18-2010)

Mobil 1 to the #14? Stewart Haas Racing has emerged as the leading candidate to get the Mobil 1 sponsorship that Penske Racing will vacate in 2011, when it switches to Pennzoil as sponsor for Kurt Busch (in the #22 Dodge). If SHR lands Mobil 1, it will replace Old Spice as the co-primary sponsor of Tony Stewart's #14 Chevy. The team's other car, Ryan Newman's #39, will have the U.S. Army and Tornado's back for part-time schedules next year and is trying to woo Wix Filters for a partial schedule as well.(Ford Racing), Wix Filters will be the sponsor for Newman this week at Bristol, see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(8-17-2010)

Report: NASCAR fines unnamed drivers for comments - UPDATE 2: NASCAR has fined at least two of its star drivers this season for making critical comments about the racing series, The Associated Press has learned. People familiar with the penalties told the AP the comments were considered disparaging to the sport. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because NASCAR is not publicly identifying the topflight drivers it fined. They say one driver was penalized as much as $50,000. The decision to fine competitors for critical comments puts NASCAR in line with many other professional sports leagues. The NFL and NBA both routinely issue fines for criticism of officiating. It also backs up NASCAR's season-long campaign to rebuild the slumping sport through an improved on-track product and off-track promotion from its drivers.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(7-26-2010)
UPDATE: The Associated Press has learned that NASCAR warned teams during the offseason that public criticism of the sport would no longer be tolerated, and at least two star drivers have been fined-one as much as $50,000-for comments that were deemed destructive to the industry. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston on Monday night confirmed some action had been taken, but would not discuss details. "It is the sanctioning body's obligation on behalf of the industry and our fans to protect the sport's brand," Poston said. "Any action taken by NASCAR has nothing to do with the drivers expressing an opinion-it's focused on actions or comments that materially damage the sport. We have specifically discussed this in meetings with teams, drivers and stakeholders." Drivers all declined to publicly discuss the policy, but it shouldn't come as any surprise-considering NASCAR's heightened effort this year to re-ignite interest in a sport that's been fighting sagging attendance, declining television ratings and overall fan apathy for several seasons. NASCAR has taken several aggressive steps toward improving the on-track product, but its top brass decided that outstanding events aren't enough to overcome the negative perception created every time a driver publicly blasts the series. (Associated Press)(7-27-2010)
UPDATE 2: #39-Ryan Newman and #11-Denny Hamlin were the two Sprint Cup drivers fined by NASCAR for making disparaging comments about the series, multiple sources told ESPN.com. Neither driver could be reached for comment. Newman was fined first and Hamlin second, the sources said. The sources would not confirm which statements made by the drivers were responsible for the fines, but both drivers have been outspoken on several issues.(7-29-2010)

Silly Season kicking in gear at IMS:
• All signs point to Richard Childress Racing announcing the week of the Watkins Glen Race next month that Budweiser will be on #29-Kevin Harvick's car. Mobile 1 had been courting #24-Jeff Gordon, but HMS ended that by reupping with Quaker State. Don't be surprised to see that sponsor pop up at Stewart-Haas.
• Richard Petty Motorsports' future seemingly hangs on what #43-AJ Allmendinger does. If he and sponsor Best Buy stay, then #98-Paul Menard and his sponsor may hang around, as well. But Allmendinger has talked to several teams, including Penske Racing. Menard is beating the bushes as well, with speculation he'll be in the fourth car at Richard Childress Racing. All we know for sure is Stanley is the only sponsor contractually committed to the organization beyond this season. Odds are RPM will shrink from four teams to three, two or none. The last would be a huge blow to the garage and increase the possibility of fields of fewer than 43 cars next season. It also could end Richard Petty's presence in the garage, which would be sad to see.(ESPN.com)(7-25-2010)

NASCAR "Baby Boom" continues: The baby boom continues in NASCAR this year with the wives of both Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish Jr. both pregnant, both drivers confirmed Satuday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Already this season the wives of Elliott Sadler, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Juan Pablo Montoya have given birth. The wives of Jeff Gordon, Jamie McMurray and now Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish Jr. are pregnant. Gordon's wife is due in the coming weeks. Hornish's child is due Dec. 30. It will be the couple's second child. Daughter Addison is 2 1/2 years old. McMurray's child is due in Decmeber. Newman was coy about his child and preferred not to say much but did confirm that his wife, Krissie, is pregnant. It will be the first child for both the McMurrays and Newmans.(Virginian-Pilot)(7-24-2010)

Atlas Copco to help sponsor Newman in Charlotte: Atlas Copco will serve as an associate sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Haas Automation Chevy in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October. This race deal is a continuation of the partnership Atlas Copco enjoyed with Haas CNC Racing (now Stewart-Haas Racing) in 2007-2009 and now in 2010 both as a sponsor and as the provider of the team's compressed air. As part of the October 16th race program, fans will have the chance to win 2 tickets to the race.(7-17-2010)

WIX Filters to sponsor Newman at Bristol: WIX Filters will sponsor Ryan Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing's #39 Chevy in the Aug. 21 Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. And playing a large part in WIX Filters' activation of the sponsorship is the company's "Racing with Ryan" sweepstakes, with the grand prize being two coveted tickets to the Sharpie 500, which will run under the lights at the world's fastest half-mile oval. There will be 39 total prizes given away as part of the "Racing with Ryan" sweepstakes. While a dream trip for fans, the upcoming Bristol race weekend is business as usual for WIX. That's because WIX Filters' sponsorship of Newman and the #39 Chevy is more than skin-deep. Stewart-Haas Racing uses WIX Filters to help maintain its edge in the highly competitive Sprint Cup Series.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(7-14-2010)

Stewart still has no plans for third team: #14-Tony Stewart participated in this week's NASCAR teleconference and was asked about plans for a third team in 2010:
Q. I know you're still looking for sponsorship for your two cars. At this point what would you list as the percentage likelihood you could or would expand to a third team for next year?
TONY STEWART: I would say there's probably a zero percent chance we'll expand to a third team for next year. We're still trying to fill the void when Old Spice changes this year. We're talking to a lot of great people. There's a lot of good opportunities out there. It's just a matter of finding a package that works for somebody to fill our spot. There's still races we're trying to take care of on Ryan's car. The hard part about it is, it just takes funding. We could be up to a four-car team very quickly. But it takes the funding to get it done.(Chevy PR)(7-7-2010)

Newman wins Modified race at NHMS: Sprint Cup driver Ryan Newman passed Ted Christopher on the final lap and then held him off out of the final corner to win the Whelen Modified Tour New England 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Over the years a handful of Sprint Cup Series stars, including Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Carl Edwards, have made starts in Modified Tour events at NHMS. Newman, a South Bend, Ind. native, became the first one to steal a victory from the division's regulars. The victory came in the fifth career start in the series for Newman, who competes in the Sprint Cup Series for Stewart-Haas Racing. Christopher, of Plainville, the track's all-time winningest driver, held on for second after leading a race-high 40 laps. Ryan Preece of Berlin was third. Newman has made all his series starts in a car owned by West Boylston, Mass. native and Sprint Cup Series crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion, a former Modified Tour crew chief. Whelen Modified Tour points leader Bobby Santos III, who had won three of the first four events of the season, was fourth.(Hartford Courant)(6-26-2010)

No plans for a third SHR team in 2011: Bobby Hutchens, competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, said that he had a personal deadline of June 1 for expanding to three teams for next season. "I think anything past June 1, trying to put something together, unfortunately, could distract these two teams and I don't want that to happen,'' Hutchens said. "If we're doing something, we need to be moving pretty fast.'' Hutchens said there's been "pretty much zero'' conversations about adding a third team for next season within the last month. Hutchens did say that if a decision was made much later to add a third team, it still could be done.(Roanoke Times)(6-12-2010)

Newman's car to honor Jr. Johnson: This weekend, Ryan Newman’s #39 Chevy not only will carry the nowfamiliar sponsor logos for Tornados, the maker of bold, rolled snacks, but it will also carry a special decal commemorating the induction of Junior Johnson into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame on May 23. Johnson was a bootlegger who became one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers (50 wins) and owners (132 wins and six championships). It seems fitting that his name is coupled this weekend with Newman’s sponsor, whose tagline is “Bold is How We Roll.”(Stewart Haas Racing)(5-22-2010)

Stewart Haas has not talked to Hendrick about 3rd team: Stewart Haas Racing competition director Bobby Hutchens said on Sunday that he has had no formal discussions with Hendrick Motorsports about adding a third team for next season to accommodate Kasey Kahne. Though such decisions are usually finalized by late summer, he’d prefer to have a decision on a new program – including driver and sponsor – by June 1 to avoid disrupting the programs of #14-Tony Stewart and #39-Ryan Newman and “not be in a panic” in building cars and purchasing equipment for 2011. Kahne has signed to drive the #5 Chevy at Hendrick, but Mark Martin, the current occupant, is contracted through the end of 2011. Hendrick is working to outsource Kahne to a Chevrolet team under the premise that his current lineup will not change before 2012. “We have not had what I call permanent discussions with Mr. Hendrick or anybody at Hendrick Motorsports to zero in on (Kahne),” Hutchens said. “Kasey Kahne was definitely a possibility back when we started looking at this thing for ourselves in the middle of last year, so we’re going to just see how all this shakes out.” Hutchens said that in the current sponsor marketplace – neither existing Stewart Haas team is fully funded for 2011, and Old Spice announced last week that it would not return after this season – a new driver would almost certainly have to bring a sponsor.(Charlotte Observer)(5-17-2010)

Hutchens Selected As First Quarter Winner Of NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award: Members of the National Motorsports Press Association selected Bobby Hutchens, director of competition at Stewart-Haas Racing, as the first quarter winner of the NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award. The award is designed to recognize character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each year, quarterly winners are selected, and an overall winner is determined by a vote of the National Motorsports Press Association membership. Hutchens was selected for continuing to oversee operations after the death of his wife from breast cancer in December. He also continues to support the group his late wife and a friend formed to help raise money to fight breast cancer. Born into a racing family -- father, Bud, and grandfather, Claude, were racers with Claude having competed in the very first race in 1948 at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. -- Hutchens has never lost his love for driving. He still competes in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and he finished third in points at Bowman Gray in 2006 and 2008. Also receiving votes were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and Bristol Motor Speedway.(NASCAR)(5-14-2010)

Newman’s Crew Captures Tissot Pit Road Award in Richmond: Ryan Newman’s U.S. Army over-the-wall crew claimed the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Saturday night’s Crown Royal Heath Calhoun 400 Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. The Army crew put together a string of fast pit stops which helped Newman post an eighth-place finish in the 400-lap, 300-mile race at the .75-mile short track. Newman’s #39 Army Medicine Chevrolet, which paid tribute to the U.S. Army Medical Department and Army Health Care personnel, spent the least amount of time on pit road – 197.999 seconds. Newman’s over-the-wall crew consists of: Scott Brzozowoski (front-tire changer), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Ryan Pepe (rear-tire changer), James Houk (rear-tire carrier), Andrew Turner (jackman), Michael Moore (gasman), Andy Rueger (catch can) and Jay Guarneri (Eighth Man). The team’s crew chief is Tony Gibson and the pit crew coach is Joe Piette. The winning pit crew in each Sprint Cup race will earn $5,000 and a Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph watch. The team with the most Tissot Pit Road Precision Award wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will receive a $105,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the over-the-wall crew members and driver. After 10 races Martin Truex’s No. 56 crew leads the Tissot standings with two wins. Eight teams are tied for second with one win.(Tissot), for past winners and more on pit crews, see my 2010 Pit Crew News and Awards page.(5-4-2010)

#39 to honor U.S. Army Health Care Personnel: The paint scheme on Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army Chevy for Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway will pay tribute to the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) and the men and women who comprise the highly-trained Army Health Care Team. During the Crown Royal Presents the Heath Calhoun 400 Cup event, Army Medicine will be showcased on the hood and rear quarter panels of the #39 car along with the AMEDD logo on the hood. The race name is in honor of Calhoun, an Army retiree (101st Airborne) and Purple Heart recipient. The Army Health Care Team is one of the largest comprehensive systems of health care in the country. It is made up of six corps, each with a specific function:
· Dental Corps -- oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics and orthodontics
· Medical Corps -- more than 40 specialties, including internal medicine, neurosurgery, pathology and psychiatry
· Medical Service Corps -- behavioral psychology, entomology, hospital administration and nuclear engineering
· Medical Specialist Corps -- patient care, wellness education, injury prevention
· Nurse Corps -- critical care nursing, medical surgical nursing and community nursing
· Veterinary Corps -- animal medicine, veterinary public health, food inspection and research
As an incentive for medical-career students to join the Army Health Care Team, the U.S. Army offers a range of financial assistance and educational benefits. "It will be a privilege to drive a car honoring the Army Health Care Team which works by the motto – to save, to heal, to serve," said Newman. "Each time I visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center I am overwhelmed with the professional care and professional services that are provided to our brave and wounded Soldiers." The following will be special guests of the U.S. Army Race Team in Richmond:
· Maj. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Deputy Surgeon General, United States Army and Chief, United States Army Nurse Corps.
· Maj. Arthur De Luigi, a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and sports medicine at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Prior to his second year of medical school at Lake Erie College (Erie, Pa.), De Luigi entered the Army's Health Professionals Scholarship Program, which paid more than $100,000 of his medical school costs. De Luigi served two deployments in Iraq.
· Army Staff Sgt. Adam Ellsworth, a native of Woodbridge, Va., who served three deployments -- two in Iraq and one in Kosovo. He also served on an humanitarian mission in the Gulf coast following Hurricane Katrina.(US Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(4-27-2010)

Kahne to Hendrick? [Stewart-Haas?]: #9-Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the #5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the #9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS [which sponsored Hendrick's #25 Chevy for years]. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)(4-13-2010) Share

Army ROTC scheme for Newman at Texas: Ryan Newman's #39 U. S. Army Chevy will have a different look at this weekend's Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Adorning the hood and rear quarter panels of the Stewart-Haas Racing car will be the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps logo (Army ROTC). Army ROTC is a college-based officer commissioning program designed as an elective focusing on leadership development, problem solving, strategic planning and professional ethics. Army ROTC is the largest military branch within the Department of Defense ROTC programs.(Stewart Hass Racing PR), see an image of the car on my #39 team schemes page.(4-13-2010)

Newman wins at Phoenix: #39-Ryan Newman won the Subway Fresh Fit 600(k) at Phoenix International Raceway for his first win of the season and 14th of his career. Newman's win was his first with Stewart Haas Racing and first since Newman won the 2008 Daytona 500, when he was with Penske Racing. Newman is the first driver ever to win a race running the car number 39. See my Win by Car Number page for more on car number history. #24-Gordon, who was the leader when the race restarted under a green-white-checker finish, was passed by Newman at the restart and finished 2nd. #48-Johnson finished 3nd, followed by #5-Martin, #42-Montoya, #17-Kenseth, #99-Edwards, #18-Kyle Busch (who was leading the race when the final caution came out with 3 laps to go), #33-Bowyer, and #20-Logano. Pole sitter #43-Allmendinger finished 15th. There were 9 cautions for 59 yellow flag laps and there were 20 lead changes among 13 drivers.
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Phoenix Race Results/Awards page.(4-10-2010)

#39 is the 103rd car number to win: when Ryan Newman won the Subway Fresh Fit 600(k) at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, April 10, 2010, it was the first Sprint Cup win ever for a car number 39, being the 103rd different car number [as far as I can calculate] that has won in the Sprint Cup series. See my Win by Car Number page for more on car number history.(4-11-2010)

Newman's release 2nd book about pets: Last weekend, Ryan Newman and wife Krissie, released their second book Pit Road: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets, the Second Lap at Bristol Motor Speedway. The book celebrates the NASCAR community and their beloved furry and sometimes even feathered families. Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets, the Second Lap, gives fans an intimate look at some of NASCAR’s most loved drivers both past and present, their families and their love for animals. Crew chiefs, broadcast personalities and the people who work behind the scenes at races each weekend are all part of this picturesque book.
“The book isn’t just the drivers,” Krissie Newman said. “We have the big personalities in the sport, but we also have a large contingent of the media broadcasters; we have the people who are behind the scenes like Jay Howard, who coordinates all of the pre-race activities; we have more team owners like Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick. This is the only book that encompasses every aspect of what racing is on a non-racing scale. And it’s really incredible to listen to the personal stories that they tell about their lives away from the racetrack.”
As the follow-up to the Newman’s first Pit Road Pets book which was published in 2006, The Second Lap even delves into the heart of NASCAR – its fans. Photographer Karen Will Rogers and a team of people traveled to three racetracks during the 2009 season – Bristol Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn and Charlotte Motor Speedway – to meet and photograph NASCAR’s devoted fans and their pets.
“When we started planning our second book, it was really a no-brainer to include the fans,” Krissie Newman said. “The fans are really the heartbeat of this sport. NASCAR has the most unique and most dedicated fans out there, and we wanted to showcase them and their personalities and their love for animals in our book. In fact, it was a chance meeting with fans that really encouraged us to help animals and start the Ryan Newman Foundation. And I can’t tell you how many fans come up to either me or Ryan to tell us about their pets or who want us to meet their dogs. It just made sense.”
The book, which sales for $24.95, is available for purchase at www.RyanNewmanFoundation.org or at the racetrack on the #39 Ryan Newman souvenir trailer. The proceeds from the first book helped build a regional spay/neuter clinic at the Humane Society of Catawba County in Hickory, N.C. To date, The Ryan Newman Foundation S.N.I.P. clinic has already performed over 13,000 spay/neuter surgeries since their doors opened in 2007, preventing the death of hundreds of thousands of unwanted and stray animals.
With the release of The Second Lap, the Ryan Newman Foundation hopes to make an even bigger impact. One hundred percent of the Ryan Newman Foundation net proceeds will be donated to animal causes such as giving grants to families that can’t afford to spay or neuter their pets. The Ryan Newman Foundation also plans to build an animal education center in North Carolina that will serve as a model for animal welfare and education throughout the U.S. For more information about the book, visit www.RyanNewmanFoundation.org.(3-22-2010)

Start #300 for Newman: #39-Ryan Newman is set to make his 300th career start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Two days beforehand, he’ll try to become the all-time leader in Coors Light Pole Awards at Atlanta. He currently is tied with Buddy Baker for the all-time lead, with seven. Newman had an incredible run of six consecutive poles at AMS from 2003-2005. The footnote here is that Baker was an early mentor of Newman’s.(NASCAR)(3-4-2010)

Sponsor debut for Newman at Vegas: While Ryan Newman embarks on his 299th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend, he will also celebrate an important first for his #39 Stewart-Haas Racing team. Sunday’s Shelby American will be the first of nine races where new sponsor Tornados, a brand of family owned Ruiz Foods, will adorn the #39 Chevy as the team’s primary sponsor (SHR), see images of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(2-24-2010)

Decorated Florida War Hero to be Guest of U.S. Army NASCAR Team: Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Ragan, a decorated war hero from Sarasota, Fla., will be a guest of driver #39-Ryan Newman and the U.S. Army NASCAR team for Sunday's Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Ragan, a 1996 graduate of Sarasota High School, has served three deployments since joining the Army in 1999 -- two in Iraq and one in Turkey. He was awarded a Purple Heart in 2003 after suffering major injuries to his leg in Iraq when the vehicle he was riding in was struck with an improvised explosive device (IED). During his second lraq deployment in 2006, he was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service. "Being a Florida native, I think it's going to be pretty cool to attend the Daytona 500," said Ragan. "I met Ryan (Newman) at the Army All American Bowl last month and look forward to seeing him again and meeting all of his crew members. NASCAR is a big deal to the Soldiers and to see it all firsthand is going to be really special." Ragan, 32, is currently stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is studying business administration with online courses from the University of Maryland. Ragan will also join Newman and other guest speakers at “Strength For The Future,” a unique education program for local Florida students presented by the U.S. Army. The event is slated to take place on Friday morning (10:15-11 a.m.) at the Speedway hospitality area -- behind the frontstretch grandstands.(US Army Racing)(2-12-2010)

Hutchens faces new challenge after losing wife: One year ago, Bobby Hutchens was taking on a new challenge. As the director of competition for the newly formed Stewart-Haas Racing, there was much to do in forming, building, shaping and producing a race team for a boss with two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships already under his belt. Tony Stewart tabbed Hutchens for the task because Hutchens had spent two decades with Richard Childress Racing and had a hand in four of Dale Earnhardt's seven championships. Hutchens helped both SHR cars into the Chase despite facing his own battle at home. His wife of 14 years, Sharon, was battling cancer for the second time in her life. See full story at the Daytona Beach News Journal.(2-10-2010)

Stewart-Haas Racing could expand: Stewart-Haas Racing [#14-Stewart, #39-Newman] currently fields two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but could expand in the future, said Bobby Hutchens, Stewart-Haas Racing director of competition. "We've talked about that in our shop over the last couple months or weeks," said Hutchens. "That may something that's in our future if it fits our group up here. We're not going to do anything that's going to pull our two cars down from a performance standpoint. Also, we want to bring something in that's going to add to our program. We'll use our best practice approach that we've done in about everything we've done as far as choosing different paths to take. When the time comes to see if we expand from 2011, whether it's then or later, we'll do it."(CMS Media Tour Notes)(1-19-2010)

New spotter for Newman: Jimmy Kitchens is replacing Greg Newman on the spotter stand for Ryan Newman and the #39 Stewart Haas Racing Chevy. Kitchens most recently performed spotting duties for Casey Mears on the #07 Chevy at Richard Childress Racing [which recently announced the #07 car wouldn't run at Daytona].(FoxSports)(1-16-2010)

Oreo / Ritz join Stewart-Haas Racing: Longtime NASCAR sponsor Kraft Foods has added another chapter to its illustrious motorsports career by joining Stewart-Haas Racing, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by two-time champion Tony Stewart. Kraft Foods’ iconic Oreo cookie and Ritz cracker brands will herald the new relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing as the team’s official cookie and cracker. Stewart will carry Ritz branding on the upper chest of his uniform and on the B-post of his #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Ryan Newman will carry Oreo branding on the upper chest of his uniform and on the B-post of his #39 U.S. Army/Tornados/Haas Automation Chevy. Stewart will kick off the pairing in February at Daytona International Speedway by competing in the season-opening NASCAR Nationwide Series race behind the wheel of the #4 Oreo/Ritz Chevy. Kraft Foods will augment the partnership by continuing to be an official NASCAR sponsor with Oreo maintaining its role as the official cookie of NASCAR and Ritz remaining as the official cracker of NASCAR.(SHR)(1-8-2010)

Newman helps family from Extreme Home Makeover: The Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams team up to help a family featured on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover. Ryan and Krissie Newman are helping the Creasey Family, Lexington, NC find the perfect pet for their new home. Krissie Newman will locate the pet through a local animal adoption center and The Ryan Newman Foundation is covering the adoption, spay/neuter and necessary fee’s associated with the adoption. Iams, one of the leaders in pet care nutrition donated a year’s worth of food for the new family member. Iams ProActive Health with Prebiotics works inside the digestive tract to promote healthy digestion and strong defenses. Healthy inside. Healthy outside. The Ryan Newman Foundation and Iams are very proud to be a part of this exciting time for the Creasey Family.(11-25-2009)

#39 to feature U.S. Army All-American Bowl: The hood of Ryan Newman's #39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevy for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will showcase the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, an annual football game featuring the nation's top 90 high school seniors. The 10th anniversary U.S. Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The all-star classic -- East vs West match-up -- will be televised live on NBC, 1:00pm/et. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl alumni include many current NFL and college standouts including Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Chad Henne and Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins), Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints), Vince Young (Tennessee Titans), Mark Sanchez (New York Jets), Tim Tebow (University of Florida Gators), Terrell Pryor (Ohio State Buckeyes), Demarco Murray (Oklahoma Sooners) and Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame Fighting Irish). Gerald Christian, a U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection from Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach, Fla., will attend Sunday's season finale race and will be recognized on stage during prerace ceremonies. A nationally-ranked tight end and linebacker, Christian has verbally committed to play at the University of Florida. Other south Florida area high school stalwarts who have been selected to play in the upcoming U.S. Army All-American Bowl are: Brandon Linder and Michael Palardy, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Ft. Lauderdale; Ivan McCartney, Miramar High School, Miramar; Jaylen Watkins, Cape Coral High School, Cape Coral; and Matt Elam also of Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach.(US Army Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(11-17-2009)

Another sponsor for Newman? UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing is scheduled to make a sponsorship announcement regarding #39-Ryan Newman in 2010 on Sunday morning. One possibility is Bass Pro Shops, though no announcement has been made of a decision by that company to leave Earnhardt Ganassi [and supposedly they are signed with EGR thru 2010]. Bass Pro Shops currently sponsors Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy [with Jamie McMurray rumored as the driver in 2010]. Truex is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing [#56 NAPA Toyota] in 2010.(NASCAR This Week)
UPDATE: not Bass Pro Shops but.........Tornados foods will be the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy next April at PIR and at four other races.(Arizona Republic)(11-13-2009)

Another sponsor for Newman? UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing is scheduled to make a sponsorship announcement regarding #39-Ryan Newman in 2010 on Sunday morning. One possibility is Bass Pro Shops, though no announcement has been made of a decision by that company to leave Earnhardt Ganassi [and supposedly they are signed with EGR thru 2010]. Bass Pro Shops currently sponsors Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy [with Jamie McMurray rumored as the driver in 2010]. Truex is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing [#56 NAPA Toyota] in 2010.(NASCAR This Week)
UPDATE: not Bass Pro Shops but.........Tornados foods will be the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy next April at PIR and at four other races.(Arizona Republic)(11-13-2009)
UPDATE 2 - Tornados Joins Stewart-Haas Racing: Stewart-Haas Racing has announced a two-year partnership with Tornados, a brand of Dinuba, Calif.-based Ruiz Foods, in a press conference Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. Tornados, the bold taste of savory meats, real cheeses and zesty sauces rolled in a crispy seasoned crust, will adorn Ryan Newman’s #39 Chevy as a primary sponsor for five Sprint Cup races beginning in 2010, and when not serving as a primary, will take associate sponsor status on the car’s lower-rear quarterpanel. Teammate Tony Stewart will also carry Tornados on a portion of the lower-rear quarterpanel of his #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. The agreement extends through the 2011 season, where Tornados will again be the primary sponsor of Newman and the #39 team for five Sprint Cup races. “We’re very proud to partner with Tornados for the next two years,” said Stewart, who in his first year as a driver/owner has notched five wins for Stewart-Haas Racing, including the non-point NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May. “They’re new to the sport and we aim to make their entry into NASCAR a positive one that will grow their business, and ultimately, grow their involvement within the sport and Stewart-Haas Racing.”
The #39 Tornados Chevy will debut in March at Atlanta and will return in April at Phoenix, in July at Daytona, in August at Michigan before culminating its season run as Newman’s primary sponsor with an October visit to Martinsville. “In this sport, we’re always on the go, whether we’re at home or at the track,” said Newman, winner of the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. “Tornados is an ideal partner for us because a lot of times we have to eat quick, especially at the track. Now, we don’t have to sacrifice taste for speed. They’re a welcome addition to Stewart-Haas Racing and we look forward to many successful years with them.” Tornados offer variety and convenience, contain zero grams trans fat, and are available in a wide variety of innovative flavors that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, For more information about Tornados, please visit www.MyTornados.com.(Stewart-Haas Racing) See images of the Tornados scheme on my 2010 #39 Team Schemes page(11-14-2009)

U.S. Army to return to Newman's #39 in 2010: The U.S. Army Accessions Command announced that the U.S. Army will continue its sponsorship of Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel Dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and will return as a primary sponsor of Ryan Newman and the #39 Chevy for 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2010 [was 23 races in 2009].
“Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman are not only outstanding drivers, they are also powerful and effective advocates for the great men and women of our Army,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command. “Both drivers possess and demonstrate a passion for our Army Strong Soldiers and their families. They and their teams share our Army values and demonstrate the mental, emotional and physical strength which are the hallmark of our Soldiers. We are very excited about the opportunities our participation in the National Hot Rod Association and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series present us to tell our Soldiers’ stories and connect with Americans across the country.”
In the U.S. Army’s inaugural year with Stewart-Haas Racing, Newman and the #39 team were able to deliver two poles and a berth in the coveted Chase for the Championship thanks to 15 top-10 finishes and a staggering lap completion rate of 99.76 percent. Off the track, Newman and co-owner Tony Stewart have experienced Soldier greening at different Army posts, including Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Jackson, S.C., and Fort Benning, Ga. They also visited Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and met with the Golden Knights parachute team. It’s a partnership that extends the U.S. Army’s role as a primary sponsor since it first entered the sport in 2003.
“It’s an honor driving the #39 U.S. Army Chevrolet and representing the men and women who serve and protect our country,” Newman said. “And much like them, we’re never satisfied. We want to achieve more, and the dedication, teamwork and passion of the Soldiers who defend our country is all the inspiration we need to deliver on the racetrack. There is no group of people more dedicated to service and committed to excellence than the men and women of our armed forces.”
In addition to serving as the primary sponsor for 15 races, including the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the U.S. Army will serve as an associate sponsor on the #39 car for the remaining races. The U.S. Army will also serve as an associate sponsor on Tony Stewart’s #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy, with yearlong placement on the car’s B-post.
“We’re obviously very proud to continue our representation of the U.S. Army,” said Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing along with Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world. “We accomplished a lot in our first year together, but we want more. It’s our never-ending goal to put the Soldiers’ car in victory lane, and we appreciate the opportunity to do just that in 2010.”
The U.S. Army Motorsports Program began in September 2000 when Congress directed the Secretary of the Army to conduct a five-year motorsports outreach test. In 2003, building upon the success of the NHRA program, NASCAR was added. In addition to sponsorship of Newman and Schumacher, the programs also include an educational outreach to high school, vo-tech and junior college students focusing on career planning, goal setting, and career opportunities in motorsports and the Army. In addition, on-site interactive displays allow prospects and their influencers to experience what it is like to be a Soldier and to interact with Soldiers.
The U.S. Army Accessions Command, headquartered at Fort Monroe, Va., is charged with providing integrated command and control of recruiting for the Army’s officer, warrant officer, and enlisted forces. Designed to meet the human resource needs of the Army, the command begins the process of transforming volunteers into Soldiers and leaders for the Army. For more information, please visit www.GoArmy.com.(US Army Racing)(11-13-2009)

Another sponsor for Newman? UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing is scheduled to make a sponsorship announcement regarding #39-Ryan Newman in 2010 on Sunday morning. One possibility is Bass Pro Shops, though no announcement has been made of a decision by that company to leave Earnhardt Ganassi [and supposedly they are signed with EGR thru 2010]. Bass Pro Shops currently sponsors Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy [with Jamie McMurray rumored as the driver in 2010]. Truex is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing [#56 NAPA Toyota] in 2010.(NASCAR This Week)
UPDATE: not Bass Pro Shops but.........Tornados foods will be the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy next April at PIR and at four other races.(Arizona Republic)(11-13-2009)

Newman Reflects on Veterans Day, Army Sponsorship: The timing was only appropriate for Ryan Newman to reflect on what it has meant to drive a race car sponsored by the U.S. Army. He spoke about the sponsorship the day before Veterans Day, an annual United States holiday observed on Nov. 11 to honor military veterans. "My Army heart is heavier this week based on what happened in Fort Hood last week," said Newman, driver of the #39 U.S. Army/Haas-Automation Chevy. "Since tomorrow (Wednesday) is Veterans Day, every citizen needs to sit back and offer remembrance to our Veterans for their unselfish commitment and fight to preserve freedom. I am so proud to drive the U.S. Army car, it's been an eye-opening experience this year with the Army as our primary sponsor. I've had the privilege of visiting with so many Soldiers at Army bases, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at the track. They are my heroes and it's an incredible feeling and honor knowing that our Stewart-Haas Racing team represents more than one million Soldiers in the NASCAR world. That is awesome!"(U.S. Army Racing)(11-11-2009)

Newman meets with NASCAR over Talladega wreck: #39-Ryan Newman met with media at Texas on Friday and dicussed some issues:
Q. Obviously a lot of frustration and concern for you last weekend. I believe you mentioned thinking about things from an engineering standpoint. Looking at it from an engineering standpoint, could you talk about what your frustrations were last week, what you see? I've had a lot of people email me and say did the wing cause the car to lift as opposed to a spoiler. Talk about everything from your helmet getting wedged in the roll cage, to the car lifting up. From an engineering standpoint, are there things you see that could be done differently that would have prevented some or all of that?
RYAN NEWMAN: Always, because every crash is different and every situation is different, whether your car gets spun around by another car or it just takes air by itself. Ultimately, yeah, there's things that I feel can and should be done. I sat down with [NASCAR's] John Darby and Robin Pemberton Wednesday morning. We talked about two different things, the extra indication of myself from the accident scene and secondly the reason why we're in that position in the first place, which is to me more important. From an aerodynamic standpoint, ultimately our biggest thing is to keep the racecars on the ground. Crashes have always been a part of racing. There are fans that like that. Sometimes that adds to extra excitement, don't get me wrong. When we can bounce off each other, get the car fixed, go back out and try to win a race, I understand that part of it. Keeping the racecars on the ground is how we keep the drivers and especially the fans safe. So that's the one thing. From an ironic standpoint, that's why I was probably the most frustrated after the race last weekend, was I was in the media center talking about the very same thing on the last lap of the spring race. To live out what my frustrations were from six months before was difficult, as well.
From an engineering standpoint, whatever we can do speed-wise and aerodynamically to keep the cars on the ground, in particular things in the back of the car, when it sees the air first for downforce, keep the lift out of the back of the cars is what we need to focus on. There has been testing done. I learned some of that stuff on Wednesday morning talking to Mr. Darby and Mr. Pemberton, that they have tested. But I don't know that they have tested everything. I don't know that you can test everything. But obviously more testing needs to be done in order to make it safer for everybody. Speed is a part of it. The faster you go, the more likely you are to take lift. We were talking before, an airplane takes off at 160 miles an hour. We're 40 miles an hour above that at times. There's plenty of potential for a car to take lift, whether it's going forwards, backwards or sideways. We have to take everything into consideration, as drivers, as teams, as a sanctioning body, to control that situation.
Q. Specifically, do you think a spoiler on the back would not have caused the lift? Are there specific things you recommended to NASCAR?
RYAN NEWMAN: That's kind of my point from our conversation, is 'Do you think' is not the answer. We have to do testing so that we know. Yeah, I think there might be potential for a spoiler to react differently than a wing for sure. I don't know that it's the answer. As we've seen before, I believe it was Matt Kenseth's Nationwide crash, his car got airborne with a spoiler on the back of it. That's not the answer, that's not the fix. I've been parts of crashes with spoilers on the back of them and a wing on the back of them unfortunately. That's not the fix. Can it be a part of the fix? Yeah, potentially. Is it a better alternative in conjunction with other things you can do to the car? Maybe. Those are the things that NASCAR and the teams have to test collectively so that we can make it safer and better for the drivers and, like I said, more importantly, the fans.(in part from a Chevy Racing transcript)(11-7-2009)

Newman, #39 Team to Represent ‘Good’ in Good vs. Evil Clash: This weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the #39 Stewart Hass Racing Chevy of Ryan Newman will feature a special paint scheme to celebrate the upcoming debut on Oct. 20 of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on DVD and Blu-ray. Newman’s #39 will feature images of Optimus Prime, the heroic leader of the peace-loving Autobots. And he won’t be the only Transformer on the racetrack. Jeff Gordon’s #24 Chevy will sport graphics of Megatron, the malevolent leader of the Decepticons. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen captivated audiences to earn over $830 million at the box office and become the No. 1 movie of the year in North America (SHR), see an image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(10-14-2009)

Gordon & Newman to run Transformer schemes: an advertisement on ESPN's NASCAR page details a sweepstakes: The ESPN/Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Sweepstakes, to promote the release of the Transformers II DVD in which it mentions that #24-Jeff Gordon (Megatron) and #39-Ryan Newman (Optimus Prime), are scheduled to run Tranformers II paint schemes in the Sprint Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Oct 11th. For more info on the contest, see my Racing Contest page. Images of the schemes are posted on my #24 Team Schemes and #39 Team Schemes pages.(10-3-2009)

“Bono” goes Modified Racing: Kevin “Bono” Manion, crew chief for #1-Martin Truex Jr., will be pulling double duty this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Manion is bringing his Whelen Modified Car to the race track with Ryan Newman behind the wheel to race in the New Hampshire 100 on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1:00pm/et. This will be the fourth race of the year for Newman and Manion in the Modified Car.(EGR)(9-17-2009)

#39 Chevy to honor NCO's at Richmond: In recognition of the Secretary of the Army establishing 2009 as the Year of the NCO (Noncommissioned Officer), Ryan Newman's #39 Chevy will pay tribute to NCOs in Saturday night's Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. The hood on Newman's U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevy will showcase the Year of the NCO logo along with the three-stripe Sergeant Insignia. Considered the backbone of the U.S. Army, noncommissioned officers have played a vital role for more than 200 years. "Honoring the NCO is a special tribute and it will be a privilege to represent this group of Army personnel," said Newman. "This is one of many incredible experiences I've been associated with this season as the driver of the U.S. Army car. To put the NCO Chevy in Victory Lane would make it an even better celebration." The U.S. Army plans to honor local Virginia Noncommissioned Officers in a pre-race ceremony conducted on the Chevy Stage at 3pm. Saturday; honoring one Soldier with the highest recruiting achievement issued by the Army -- the Glen E. Morrell Award. The ceremony will be conducted by Command Sergeant Major Dennis King from Fort Monroe, Va.(US Army Racing), see am image of the scheme on my #39 Team Schemes page.(9-9-2009)

No third team for Stewart in 2010: Tony Stewart, #14 Office Depot /Old Spice Chevy, met with members of the media at Atlanta Motor Speedway and discussed many things, including:
HAVE YOU DECIDED THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO ADD ANOTHER TEAM FOR NEXT YEAR?: “No, it’s too late to do something for next year. We’re two weeks before the Chase and we’re going to be very focused on hopefully keeping two cars with a chance to possibly win a championship. We just didn’t get far enough down to get something done for next year and I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. This is a decision where timing is everything for it and when we do it, it doesn’t matter when it happens, but when it does we want it to be the right timing and the right situation.”(GM Racing)(9-6-2009)

Danica to NASCAR in 2010 but not leaving IRL: Danica Patrick will "all but certainly" be in NASCAR in 2010, but won't give up Indy car racing and will limit next year's activity to the Nationwide Series and Trucks, according to a source very close to the situation. Tony Stewart is the "star candidate" to be her partner and mentor in NASCAR, the source said, adding that Patrick's recent visits to Stewart-Haas Racing were much more than social -- that she and Stewart were discussing a deal, and are close to one. The plan is for Patrick to run a significant number of Nationwide races, with additional seat time in Trucks and ARCA cars. Stewart took a similar transitional path to NASCAR in 1998, running a full Indy car schedule and also 22 Nationwide (then Busch) races. Patrick's likeliest first stock car race would be the ARCA event at Daytona during SpeedWeeks next February. Because Stewart's team has neither Nationwide cars nor trucks in its stable, a third partner will be brought into the mix, the source said -- possibly Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports, or, more likely, Kevin Harvick Inc., which fields both Trucks and Nationwide cars. Patrick is close to signing a contract renewal with Andretti Green Racing for Indy cars, the source said, but it's not a done deal yet. Sponsorship is not considered an issue for America's top female driver, and the first car manufacturer to sign Patrick to a NASCAR deal would get a big boost in brand exposure.(ESPN)(9-6-2009)

Another visit to SHR by Danica? UPDATE: Lucky timing for several race fans who got a surprise at Stewart Hass Racing on Monday afternoon. As they witnessed Tony Stewart giving Danica Patrick a personal tour of Stewart Hass Racing. It's at least her second visit to SHR.(9-2-2009)
UPDATE: After Danica Patrick made a second visit to his race shop earlier this week, talking with reporters at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Tony Stewart left little doubt NASCAR racing is in her future. "I know that she's serious about it. I know that's what she wants to do." The two-time Sprint Cup Champion added, "I don't think she has some misguided idea that it's going to be easy to do it. She wants to do it the right way. She has the intentions of doing everything right and she's kind of come to us to see our opinion about how she should go about it." Stewart also made it clear, he doesn't see Patrick leaving the Indy Racing League in the short term, "I think she wants to know how to make the transition I think more than anything and she's trying to put together her IRL deal and try to transition that into NASCAR. So, I think she's trying to do it the right way. She's not just cutting the cord and then all of sudden jumping in a car that she's unfamiliar with. She wants to stay successful where she's at, but at the same time try to figure out a way to be able to drive and get some seat time in a car to where she can start learning to where when she does come out that she's got her act together. I think she really wants to do it. It's just trying to figure out the time frame and what steps should she take to do it right and to show everybody that she wants to do it the right way."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(9-5-2009)

Newman to run four races at Bristol UPDATES: #39-Ryan Newman will be attempting the Bristol "grand slam," adding the Friday night NASCAR Nationwide Series race and both halves of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/NASCAR Whelen Modified Series doubleheader on Wednesday night to his schedule. It will be the first time that a driver will be competing in all three national series races plus a touring series event in the same week. Newman will kick off his week Wednesday evening driving a modified for a team owned by Kevin "Bono" Manion, crew chief of the #1 Bass Pro Shops-Tracker Boats Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Newman will be making his third appearance in a modified, all three for Manion. He finished 20th at New Hampshire in 2008 and 34th there earlier this season. Newman will be joined in the Whelen Modified and Whelen Southern Modified combination race by Kasey Kahne. Kahne finished 31st in this year's New Hampshire Whelen Modified race. AND Two drivers will attempt to run three of the four races: Kyle Busch will run the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck Series races and Kasey Kahne will run the modified, Nationwide and Sprint Cup races.(8-19-2009)
How have the four drivers done so far?
Newman (4 races): finished 37th in Modified race; 4th in Truck race; 13th in NNS race; 6th in Cup race
Kahne (3): finished 28th in Modified race; 37th in NNS race; 28th in Cup race
Busch (3): won the Truck and Cup races; finished 28th in NNS race.(8-22-2009)

Stewart not expected to expand to three teams UPDATE: Owner/driver Tony Stewart says he doesn’t foresee his Stewart-Haas Racing organization expanding to include a third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2010. Stewart-Haas currently fields the #14 Chevrolet for Stewart as well as the #39 Chevrolet for teammate Ryan Newman. “We’re at a point in the season right now where we’re getting close to the Chase [For The Sprint Cup], and we’re focused on that,” Stewart said Tuesday while hosting the second annual Smoke Show fantasy camp at Texas Motor Speedway. “We would pretty much have to have the decision, the agreements on all that already done. We’d have to have the driver, the sponsor; we’d have to have that done by now to be able for it to be feasible for next year.” While Stewart has previously said that he would be open to adding a third team in the future, he said Tuesday that expansion wouldn’t come “at the sacrifice of performance.”(SceneDaily)(8-7-2009)
UPDATE: #14-Tony Stewart, met with members of the media at Watkins Glen International and discussed many topics, including expanding to a third team:
HOW UNLIKELY IS IT THAT YOU WILL RUN A THIRD CAR IN 2010?
Stewart: “I don’t think we’ve ruled that out yet. It’s getting to the point in the season if we’re going to do a third team and have a third team for next season it would have to happen pretty quickly. At least having the sponsor and driver lined up to make sure that we have an adequate amount of time to get all the tools and pieces in place for next year. But I would say it’s not very likely right now.”
DID YOU BUILD STEWART-HAAS WITH EXPANSION IN MIND IN TERMS OF SPACE AND EQUIPMENT AND PEOPLE? HOW SIMPLE OR SEAMLESS WOULD IT BE TO EXPAND FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE?
STewart: "The building is capable of holding three teams for sure. That's not a problem. It's just adding people and making sure that the funding is in place. It would be adding a little more equipment and people, but having that funding and the driver is the biggest key."(GM Racing)(8-7-2009)

Stewart still considering a third team: #14-Tony Stewart met with members of the media, part of the transcript:
STEWART - WHERE ARE YOU ABOUT ADDING A THIRD TEAM TO STEWART-HAAS RACING: “We are definitely open to it for sure. We are interested for sure. We feel like it is a matter of timing, it is everything. I don’t know that something would happen for next year. I think we are getting close to the stage of the season where it may get too late to have that opportunity to add a third car for next year. It is something that at least as a company we feel comfortable with and feel like with the right opportunity, that it is definitely possible.”(Chevy Racing)(8-1-2009)