Ryan Newman’s needs are simple.”I just want to race some place where I’m wanted,” Newman said.
“Where people are happy I’m there.” Newman received a one-year reprieve on his contract with Stewart-Haas Racing, where he is currently 18th in the standings.
For most of the season, Newman has been outrunning his bossman Tony Stewart. While Newman’s resume isn’t as extensive as Stewart’s, it’s respectable with 16 Sprint Cup victories and six finishes of 10th or better in the standings. The 35-year-old South Bend, Ind., native ranks third among active drivers in pole positions with 49.
Not surprisingly, team owner Richard Childress said last week that Newman tops his list of potential candidates for the #29 Chevy which is being vacated by Kevin Harvick at season’s end.
“There are only so many guys that don’t have contracts for next year,” Newman said. “At this point, I would entertain any possible opportunity. I don’t think anyone in my position wouldn’t do anything otherwise.
“Of all the opportunities that there are out there, he’s got one of the best opportunities as far as the 29 being vacated. But I don’t know what the family tree is going to look like over there.” (FoxSports)