No Gibbs, No RCR For Newman
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Loading ...It is appearing more and more that Newman is going to Stewart-HAAS Racing.
INDIANAPOLIS — Strike Joe Gibbs Racing from the list of potential employers for Ryan Newman.
Newman’s name has been most prominently mentioned to land with Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Sources close to the situation said he also has had discussions with JGR, Richard Childress Racing and Gillett Evernham Motorsports.
An RCR official said Friday that he expected Newman to go to Stewart, and JGR president J.D. Gibbs said Sunday it was unlikely the driver of Penske Racing’s No. 12 would join his Toyota team.
“It would be hard,” Gibbs said before the Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Another time, another day, maybe. He’s a great individual. You would love to have him on your team. It’s just all those ducks aren’t in a row.”
Gibbs did say he was getting closer to naming a driver to replace Tony Stewart in the No. 20 next season. Joey Logano, the 18-year-old sensation in the Nationwide Series, remains the front-runner for that spot.
Gibbs also said JGR likely wouldn’t expand to four teams in 2009.
“Still working – getting closer,” Gibbs said Sunday prior to the Allstate 400. “We’re just kind of in a holding pattern. … I think a lot of [Newman] as a person and a driver. He’s a great guy, but I think he has some options there.
“I don’t know [what he’ll do]. I think it would be hard – I don’t think Ryan [will be with us] – another time, another day, maybe but it would be hard now. He’s a great individual. You’d love to have him part of your team, but we’d have to have all those ducks lined up in a row and right now they’re not.”
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Now it is definately looking like SHR. I am still unsure about him joining a “new” team. As Jimmy Spencer said yesterday, Haas is the one with the money. That is what is going to help Stewarts team. He joined in ownership with a billionaire, so they have the money for the equipment needed. Plus, Stewart owns other teams that are very successful, which is good too. But this could still be career suicide for a few years starting up a new Sprint Cup team. I think they’ll do well together in partnership and teammates, but I think they are going to struggle for a little while. We’ll see…
I think Ryan is looking for more options. Other than just driving. He is playing it smart. I like the fact that he is well respected and think whatever decision he comes to will be respected by others.
I do not think they will struggle. Look at what Ambrose did at Indy yesterday. A very new team.
The COT closed the gap on advantages. Riggs is back in the top 35. Both the 66 and the 70 performed better than the 77 and the 2.
My point is we cannot be negative we have to show our full support and that will be what it takes to get that team competitive. The more fan support, the more sponsors the more wins. Nascar needs this for the well being of the sport. They need racers like Ryan and Tony to succeed.
Absolutely! And I think they are just a beginning. I think there will be more willing to make the venture and it will be great for the sport! And you’re right. With the COT the playing field is brought into line. And lets face it…. with the engine deal they have it can’t hurt! I think with the options that Ryan had available and the amount of thought and time he has put into his decision it cannot help but succeed! I am starting to get really excited for 2009!
Knowing the way Tony and Ryan can drive, they will do very well. I just think they might have a bumpy start. Ryan has my full support whether he has a bumpy start or not. I think 2009 is going to be a very exciting season. I can’t wait to hear the final announcement!
I am hoping that it is soon. Really think it will be this week. I think there must be some option offers with SHR…. Must be something pretty special to be drawing Ryan in. I hae always fully supported Ryan from WAY back in the day, so now is absolutely no different. I KNOW that we are all going to have so much fun in 2009!
I was kind of ho[ping that Ryan would land the #20 car but I guess SHR will do. I just hope we get to hear something soon. I just cant wait till everything is made official.
I think it is the waiting that gets to me too! I think he could have had the #20—sounds like Joe would have liked for it to have worked out too. He definitely would have been running for the title next year. But I think next season will go well too. There is alot of money in SHR and with the motors how can they go wrong?