#39-Ryan Newman knows he doesnt have a contract for 2014. He wishes that wasnt the case, but he knows how to handle it. After all, it was at this time last year when he also was a free agent. He eventually signed a one-year deal to stay at Stewart-Haas Racing. ‘I have no extra pressure on myself to perform than at any other time in my career’ Newman said. ‘I just dont have the things done on paperwork to say what Im doing in 2014, which doesnt the change the way I drive this year.” Like many veterans in other sports, Newman faces the prospect of getting squeezed out as teams look for younger, and possibly cheaper, options. Newman said he took a cut in salary, like many drivers have as sponsorship dollars have been tougher to find. SHR already has three drivers signed for 2014 with team owner Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and, reportedly, Kevin Harvick. Stewart hasnt ruled out going to a four-car operation in 2014, and that would leave the door open for Newman to return. ‘Where I end up, thats where I end up’ Newman said. ‘If I stay, I stay. If I dont, I dont. I have to do whats best for me.” He will spend this season trying to win races and hope those sponsors stick behind him so he has a place to drive in 2014.( Sporting News )
