Opinion: Where could Ryan Newman Go?

UPDATE: Ryan Newman to re-sign with SHR.

Ryan Newman, driver of the No.39 ARMY Chevrolet for Stewart Haas Racing (SHR) finds himself in a little of a bind. Newman and Tony Stewart (1/2 owner of SHR) were hit hard when it was announced that the ARMY WAS PULLING OUT OF NASCAR. With them pulling out of NASCAR, there went Newman’s sponsorship for 2013. Nothing hits a team harder then a sponsor leaving the sport.

Stewart has been adamant that he wants to resign Newman; Newman has said many times that he is 100% focused on signing back with Stewart. The only problem is and they both have said it, only if they can find sponsorship.

So what happens if they can’t find sponsorship? Newman and Stewart will be forced to part ways.

Where in the world could Ryan Newman Go?

There were rumors that maybe he could join back up with Penske Racing.  The only  issue with that is currently there are talks of Joey Logano having an offer on the table to drive for Penske next season. If Joey Logano goes to Penske Racing to drive the No.22 Dodge Shell/Pennzoil Charger there doesn’t leave real room for anyone else.

If Joey Logano stays at Joe Gibbs Racing? Maybe. It is probably an option for Newman, even though he has said he has not talked to Penske about it.

In a time that even top teams such as Roush Fenway are struggling to find sponsorship for more then a few races at a time, teams such as SHR find themselves looking for the golden egg.

There are realistically not many openings on top tier teams for 2013. The only other possible option I can see is if Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) put Newman in the No.9 of Aric Almirola. Both Almirola and Marcos Ambrose are free agents at the end of this season. I would think its a sure thing that Ambrose gets resigned, as he can give you a pretty good chance at winning in the Cup series at least twice a year. (Sonoma & Watkins Glen) plus he has improved quite a bit on an oval.

Almirola, on the other hand, in his first full time Cup season thus far (which is 21 of 36 races ) has finished in the top ten only one time. His stats sure don’t scream, “keep me Richard Petty!”

There have been no talks out of RPM about the contract situation between Ambrose and Almirola. But if Newman still wants to race for a team that won’t be start and parking it might end up being an only option.

We hope that SHR finds sponsorship for Newman, as I think everyone would agree him staying put would be the best option as we know Stewart is more then just a car owner to Newman, he is his friend.

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