KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sept. 28, 2010) — Ryan Newman is in the midst of his best streak of the 2010 season with a finishing average of 8.2 during the last five Sprint Cup races. The 8.2 average finish is third best during this five-race stretch, behind Kyle Busch (4.6) and Carl Edwards (8.0).
Newman, who missed the 12-driver Chase by one position, started his current streak with a sixth-place result in Bristol, Tenn. on Aug. 21. He went on to record finishes of eighth (Atlanta), 11th (Richmond), eighth (New Hampshire) and eighth (Dover).
“We’re finding consistency and that’s always been a critical factor to attain success,” said Newman. “Had we run with this type of consistency we would without question be in the Chase, but it makes no sense to look back — that’s history and we can’t change it. But what we can do with our U.S. Army Chevrolet is to keep on running up front and posting strong finishing results in the remaining eight races. Driving the Soldiers’ car to victory lane would be the ultimate prize.”
Newman’s average finish of 8.2 in the last five races is more than twice as good as his average finish of 17.0 in the first 23 Cup events.
“We were always on the verge, but never could get it to click with regularity,” said No. 39 crew chief Tony Gibson. “We never lost faith in each other because we knew it was there. We could feel it and it was just a matter of time before it all came together. We’re still not where we want to be, you never can be satisfied in this business. But I am really proud of this Army team. We’re like our Soldiers — we never quit and we fight through adversity.”
Newman and the No. 39 U.S. Army/Stewart-Haas Racing team are aiming to continue the torrid pace in Sunday’s Price Chopper 400 Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway.
In nine career starts at Kansas, Newman has one win (2003), three top fives and three top 10s. His success at the 1.5-mile track came early in his career with two runner-up finishes (2001 & 2002) and a victory (2003) in his first three starts. From 2004 to the present, his best finish was 16th in 2008.
“It’s time to get back with finishes in Kansas that we’re capable of,” stated Newman, who enters Kansas as the highest non-Chase driver in points (13th). “We’ve been so-so on the mile and a half and two-mile tracks this season and look to change that this weekend. I know that Tony (Gibson) and the guys are working hard to get everything we can out of the remaining races.”
Newman’s 2010 season statistics include, one win, two top fives, 10 top 10s and one pole.
Newman’s Career Record at Kansas Speedway
St Fn
2001 17 2
2002 3 2
2003 11 1
2004 7 33
2005 11 23
2006 15 24
2007 42 43
2008 15 16
2009 30 22
No. 39 U.S. Army Over-the-Wall Crew (city is hometown)
Front-tire changer: Scott Brzozowski, Sterling Heights, Mich.
Front-tire carrier: Josh Mick, Houston, Texas
Rear-tire changer: Brandon Hopkins, Danielson, Conn.
Rear-tire carrier: James Houk, Fair Play, Mo.
Gasman: Michael Moore, Springfield, Mass.
Jackman: Jeff Kerr, China Grove, N.C.
Catch Can: Andy Rueger, Seymour, Ind.
8th Man/Windshield: Jay Guarneri, Naples, Fla.
___________________________________________________
Crew Chief: Tony Gibson, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Car Chief: Kevin Pennell, Kannapolis, N.C.
Spotter: Jimmy Kitchens, Hueytown, Fla.
Engine Specialist: Jay Nolan, Jacksonville, Fla.
Engineers: Johnny Klausmeier, Perry Hall, Md.
Wes Gantt, Taylorsville, N.C.
Engine: Hendrick Motorsports
Shock Specialist : Brian Holshouser, Charlotte
Tire Specialist: Jeff Zarrella, Southington, Conn.
