FastCar Newsdesk for week of 7/17/08
Earlier this week, the almost inevitable came true, as Penske Racing South and driver Ryan Newman decided not to remain together for 2009. This decision comes just a few weeks after Newman told the media that he would only stay at Penske, if performance by the No. 12 Alltel team were to improve. With more attractive options on the table for Newman, no noticeable increase in performance by his team, and a sponsorship situation in limbo, Newman has decided that he is ready to test the free agency waters.
The questions Newman now will continue to be asked revolve around where he is going to spend his future. With Tony Stewart and Hass CNC Racing officially an entity, Newman is rumored as being the 2nd driver that will join that team. Newman and Stewart both hail from Indiana and Newman’s old crew chief, Matt Borland, currently is the Director of Competition for the team. Newman says, though, that there are more options than Stewart Hass Racing for him to choose from.
The most attractive opening for 2009 is undoubtedly the team that Tony Stewart left. Unfortunately for Newman, Martin Truex Jr., and the other approximately 20 available free agents, that ride likely will belong to Nationwide Series rookie prodigy Joey Logano.
Other options for Newman include the new 4th team at Richard Childress Racing and DEI. Newman says that he even has an offer from one team that involves ownership.