Ryan Newman Going to Richard Childress Racing

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In: NASCAR Cup Series News

Ryan Newman’s prayers seem to have been answered. Ryan Newman has found his new home for the next three years, two months after being informed by Stewart-Haas Racing that he wouldn’t be retained.

 

Newman will race for Richard Childress Racing next year, replacing Jeff Burton in the No. 31 Chevrolet.

 

Newman said he had talked to at least three teams about a ride for next season, but he was dirst approached by Richard Childress during the week leading up to the Daytona 500 in February, and Newman said the team was at the top of the list.

 

RCR will be losing Kevin Harvick next year, who will be moving to Stewart-Haas Racing.

 

“Richard and everybody at RCR are in a position to control their own destiny,” said Newman, who had considered RCR before signing with SHR five years ago. “They build their own cars. They build their own engines. They hand their own bodies. Everything is at the RCR compound, and that means a lot to me, because that keeps that information right there.”

 

Newman said he didn’t panic while hunting for his third team since entering NASCAR full time in 2002. Newman spent several years with Penske Racing before moving to SHR for five years, and now to RCR for the next three years.

 

“I wanted to be somewhere where I was wanted and that is super competitive, and we have the opportunity to live out our common goals,” said Newman. “RCR was part of my interest five years ago, and when Richard expressed that interest back in February, it was a no-brainer for me to go back and knock on his door. I’m just excited about the opportunity that we have from a team standpoint, the resources with Chevrolet. I know that Richard has the drive and dedication to be as successful as he possibly can, and that is as simple as that. I see the same things in him that he does in me, and that’s why I look forward to the next three years.”

 

Newman is expected to be teamed with Paul Menard and Austin Dillon, Childress’ grandson who will be a Cup rookie next year. RCR chief operating officer Torrey Galida said Friday that the team will likely remain at three cars after Childress had hinted at expanding to a fourth car.

 

“We have high expectations for this No. 31 team,” said Childress. “Ryan has proven himself to be a great driver and I’m looking forward to winning races with him.”

Carrie Whitmore
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