NEWMAN FACES CHALLENGE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE AT MICHIGAN

For only the second time in 13 starts at Michigan International Speedway, Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger, will start outside the top 12 for Sunday’s 3M Performance 400.

Newman’s only other start below the 12th position at the 2-mile track occurred last year in June when Newman spun in turns three and four before completing his first lap. Newman started 42nd and finished 15th after rain shortened the race to 129 laps.

“Something that we did after practice is not working for our car,” Newman said after climbing from the Alltel Dodge. “I almost crashed going into turns one and two during my qualifying lap. After being seventh fastest in practice, starting 34th is a little disappointing, but we’ll find out what the problem is during Saturday’s practice sessions and fix it and hopefully, we’ll be able to move through the field quickly on Sunday and get a good finish as we inch closer to a Chase spot.”

Newman, who went out second in Friday’s qualifying session, was 0.840 second off the pole speed of 189.026 mph set by Jeff Gordon.

Sunday’s 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway will be broadcast live by ESPN and MRN Radio with coverage beginning at 1 p.m. EDT.

alltelracing.com