LOUDON, N.H. (July 12, 2011) — A quick glance at Ryan Newman’s record at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) confirms that the U.S. Army driver has the right stuff when attacking the 1.058-mile oval.
The New England facility is where Newman has enjoyed plenty of success, including the site of his first career Cup victory, Sept. 15, 2002. In 18 starts at NHMS, Newman has won twice, scored five top-fives, 12 top-10s and has captured the pole four times.
His average start at NHMS is 8.9 and average finish is 13.0. He is also the track’s fourth all-time leader in laps led with 539.
Newman is looking to continue the New Hampshire magic in this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 while driving the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet.
He is on a three-race, top-10 streak at NHMS with finishes of seventh (Sept. 2009), sixth (June 2010) and fifth (Sept. 2010).
“It’s always a fun and exciting experience going to New Hampshire,” said Newman, a 14-time tour winner. “It’s a place of fond memories for me. I’ve had my share of success there and feel as confident about this weekend as I have at any time in the past. Our Soldiers are pulling for us and it’s going to feel good to be back in their car.”
With eight races remaining before 12 Chase drivers begin the 10-race playoff run for the Sprint Cup championship, Newman is well aware that every race from here on in is critical in terms of points.
“Right now the race for the Chase is real tight and I would like to have more of a cushion in points,” noted Newman, who is ninth in the driver standings. “With the new Chase criteria of having two wild cards picks based on wins for positions 11-20, you definitely want to avoid a low finish. A win would be a huge boost for our U.S. Army team, and New Hampshire is a place where we can get that victory.”
Newman and the No. 39 team showed their grit last weekend at Kentucky Speedway with a Soldier-like, never-give-up attitude by coming back from a lap down to finish fourth.
“The way we fought back to finish fourth definitely says something about this Army team,” stated Newman. “It was a team effort and we made the best of what was thrown at us. It was a positive point swing, and as I said, every point counts as we are now in the homestretch of qualifying for the Chase.”
Newman’s slick driving skills were also prevalent with a couple of strong restarts in the late stages of the Kentucky race. He vaulted from seventh to fourth on the final restart.
Newman will not only compete in the Sunday’s Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but he will also compete in Saturday’s Whelen Modified Series. He won both modified races during the Cup weekends at New Hampshire last year.
“I love running the modified car any chance my schedule allows,” said Newman. “I am out there to win every chance I get. Modified races are a lot shorter than what I’m used to, but the competition is still tough.”
Newman’s Career Cup Results at New Hampshire Motor Speedway St Fn 2002 7 5 1 1 2003 16 4 1 9 2004 1 3 10 33 2005 4 7 13 1 2006 1 39 4 12 2007 12 10 5 9 2008 16 15 17 36 2009 6 29 18 7 2010 5 6 24 8 No. 39 Over-the-Wall Crew (city is hometown) Front-tire changer: Scott Brzozowski, Sterling Heights, Mich. Front-tire carrier: Brad Robison, Ithaca, N.Y. Rear-tire changer: Brandon Hopkins, Danielson, Conn. Rear-tire carrier: James Houk, Fair Play, Mo. Jackman: Andrew Turner, Coloma, Mich.Gasman: Andy Rueger, Seymour, Ind. 2nd Gasman: Michael Moore, Springfield, Mass. 7th 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. Engine Builder: Hendrick Motorsports Engineers: Johnny Klausmeier, Perry Hall, Md. Wes Gantt, Taylorsville, N.C. Shock Specialist : Brian Holshouser, Charlotte Tire Specialist: Jeff Zarrella, Southington, Conn.
