Newman Helps Local Driver

Macon, GA

The Nextel Cup Series has a rare weekend off, and while NASCAR's top drivers usually take that time to go on vacation and relax.

But, one top driver was taking care of business Wednesday night in Central Georgia.

Ryan Newman made an appearance at Bass Pro Shops .

The driver of the number 12 Dodge was in town to support local ASA driver Beau Slocumb.

Slocumb, a Juliette resident, and his team were trying to strike up some support for the season, after posting seven top-five finishes last year.

Slocumb appreciated his favorite driver, Newman, being in attendance, "He always told me anything he could do to help me further my career, just let him know...I gave him a call, he said absolutely. You figure out how to get me there quickly, on a plane, I'll be there."

The two drivers met three years ago, when Newman was looking for a place to fish while in Georgia.

Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark introduced Newman to the Slocumb family, which lives on a lake in Juliette, and the rest is history.

Newman says he's pleased to help Slocumb, knowing what it feels like to try and climb the ranks of autoracing.

"I was there before," said Newman, "He's got a great family backbone behind him, that helps a lot...He's got a great career ahead of him, he just needs the next step and this is a great function for him to get to that next step."

Newman was also promoting his book "Pit Road Pets", which benefits the Ryan Newman Foundation.

http://www.13wmaz.com/