Despite new Newman news, many Silly Season questions unanswered
Reports surfaced this week that lame duck Penske driver Ryan Newman has reached a verbal agreement to drive the No. 4 Toyota for Stewart Hass Racing next season. Joe Gibbs Racing’s decision not to field a 4th team in 2009 likely played a part in Newman’s decision, and also goes to re-affirm the likelihood of Nationwide Series rookie Joey Logano taking the open seat in the No. 20 Gibbs car that Tony Stewart will vacate.
With Newman presumably off the market, attention turns to quasi-free agent Martin Truex Jr., who is in negotiations with DEI to sign a contract extension and remain with the team. Truex and DEI have a mutual option for next season, which DEI has already exercised. With the possibility of Truex leaving, however, his name has been on the list for other rides, including the 4th team at Richard Childress Racing and the Newman’s No. 12 at Penske.
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