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closeNewman will leave Penske Racing
DAVID POOLE
dpoole@charlotteobserver.com
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2008
NASCAR driver Ryan Newman smiles as he looks at his crew member in his garage before the Sprint Cup Practice Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill.
Ryan Newman will leave Penske Racing and its No. 12 Dodges after the 2008 Sprint Cup season, the team announced Monday.
Newman is widely believed to be heading for Stewart-Haas Racing to join Tony Stewart for 2009. Stewart will have 50 percent ownership in what is now Haas CNC Racing next year and is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to drive there.
"We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years,” said Roger Penske, owner of Penske Racing. “We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we’ll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season.”
Newman won this year's Daytona 500 for his 13th career Sprint Cup victory. He is 16th in the Cup standings through 19 races. Newman has made all 243 of his career Cup starts in Penske-owned cars.
“I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career," said Newman, 30. "I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me."
Penske Racing said a new driver for the No. 12 will be announced "in the near future." Sources say David Stremme is one of the drivers being looked at to replace Newman in that ride.