Ryan Newman Starts All-Star Challenge 8th - Finishes 8th

What a great race. I really enjoyed it - over all.

Ryan Newman and his Penske Racing #12 Alltel Dodge finished 8th in the All-Star Challenge Saturday Night winning $90,385......not quite $1,000,000 (actually 1,021,539.18).

Kevin Harvick was tonights winner.

The first 20 lap segment of the race had some good racing and Newman worked his way up to sixth by the end of the segment. The first segment was caution free. At the end of the first segment Newman along wiith eveyone except Kyle Busch and Mark Martin decided to pit. Newman along with a couple of others only took 2 tires. He restarted in 5th or 6th.

Newman was not as good in the second segment and half way through the 20 lap segment Newman had fallen to 11th. At the end of the segment he was back up to 10th. At half time many teams had there hoods up and making changes. Tire rub seemed to be an issue.

After half time, there was a caution on the second lap of the third 20 lap segment when Labonte backed into the wall. Newman fell to 11th. By lap 6 of the third segment, Ryan Nemwan was 6th. At the end of the third segment Newman is the first Dodge and in 7th position.

In between segments the drivers are required to come in for a pit stop. They did not have to make adjustments, but at least had to make a stop and go. Most teams just did a stop and go. Newmans team needed to make an adjustment which pretty much put him at the end. Three cars were caught speeding so had to go to the end including leader matt Kensith. This put Newman in 17th. Newmans team needed to make more adjustments, so he came back in under caution and got a full service (tires and all).

Just 2 laps into segment 4 Kyle Busch trys making a bold move on big brother kurt. it does not work out and Kyle spins around. Kyle's back end just barely hits Kurt and they both go into the wall. Both are out of the race. Newman is now up to 14th.

Now, just three laps into the 4th segment (cautions do not count as laps in segment 4) Mears runs over Hamlin and both go into the wall. Newman restarts in 9th. The front three (Harvick, Johnson and Martin) start running away. I think the rest of the field realizes they are not getting up front and just maintain as the field is pretty spread out.

Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge finsih 8th.

I think Newman and team will do great here next week for the Coca-Cola 600. Don't miss it!!

Mike

Nextel All-Star Challenge Results

Martin Truex Jr and Jonny Sauter raced their way into the Challenge by placing 1st and second in the Nextel Open .

Kenny Wallace was voted in by the fans.

01 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Pennzoil Platinum / Shell
02 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's / Power of Pride
03 01 Mark Martin Chevrolet U.S. Army
04 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet AT&T
05 20 Tony Stewart Chevrolet The Home Depot
06 70 Johnny Sauter Chevrolet Yellow Trans. / Haas Automation
07 17 Matt Kenseth Ford DEWALT
08 12 Ryan Newman Dodge ALLTEL
09 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Budweiser
10 1 Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops / Tracker
11 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet DuPont Performance Alliance
12 44 Dale Jarrett Toyota UPS
13 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull
14 9 Kasey Kahne Dodge Dodge Dealers / UAW
15 16 Greg Biffle Ford Ameriquest
16 78 Kenny Wallace Chevrolet Furniture Row Racing
17 11 Denny Hamlin Chevrolet FedEx Freight
18 125 Casey Mears Chevrolet National Guard / GMAC
19 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite World Beer Cup
20 5 Kyle Busch Chevrolet Kellogg's / CARQUEST
21 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge Cheerios / Betty Crocker

Ryan Newman to Race at PRA FOX 150 at Berlin Raceway!

The PRA “FOX 17 150” at Berlin Raceway June 13th will feature NASCAR star Ryan Newman along with the best open wheel drivers in the country, including Michigan native and current PRA Big Car Series point leader Brian Tyler.

I am hoping to be there!!!! - Mike

The Premier Racing Association is proud to announce a partnership with FOX 17 WXMI in Grand Rapids, MI. The PRA Big Car Series event at Berlin Raceway on Wednesday June 13th will be the “FOX 17 150” presented by Engine Pro, Mahle/Clevite, and Brad Penn Racing Oil. Qualifying and the “Top 6 Draw” will be brought to you by Outerwears.

FOX 17 WXMI has always been a big supporter of all racing events at the historic Berlin Raceway. FOX 17 WXMI is a news leader in the Grand Rapids area and they are showing their support by partnering with the Premier Racing Association as the title sponsor for the inaugural “FOX 17 150” featuring the PRA Big Car Series at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI on Wednesday June 13th, 2007.

PRA is equally proud to have three loyal racing companies Engine Pro, Mahle/Clevite, and Brad Penn Racing Oil show their support to Berlin Raceway and Michigan motorsports by entering into this event as the presenting sponsors.

The “FOX 17 150” will feature NASCAR star Ryan Newman along with the best open wheel drivers in the country, including Michigan native and current PRA Big Car Series point leader Brian Tyler. Tickets are on sale now at www.berlinraceway.com or call (616) 677-5000. Adult tickets are $20; Kids 6-12 are $10, 5 and under are free. Practice begins at 2:00, qualifying at 4:00 and racing begins at 7:00.

Keep checking www.PRARacing.com for updates!

The Premier Racing Association, headquartered in Anderson, Indiana, sanctions open wheel racing involving cars which previously competed on pavement in the United States Auto Club's Silver Crown Division. Seven events are on the 2007 calendar, with two additional races to be announced in the coming weeks.

For More Information Contact:

Jason Smith
jsmith@praracing.com
http://www.PRARacing.com

NASCAR loses stay, AT&T logo allowed on No. 31 car

ATLANTA -- A federal judge on Saturday again refused to grant NASCAR's request for a stay to prevent Jeff Burton's No. 31 car racing later in the day with the AT&T logo.

The ruling Saturday was the second in as many days from U.S. District Judge Marvin Shoob, who on Friday issued a preliminary injunction barring NASCAR from stopping AT&T Inc. from placing its brand on Burton's Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.

Following Saturday's denial for a stay, NASCAR filed an emergency appeal with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

"We don't know when that will heard,'' said NASCAR's managing director of corporate communications Ramsey Poston.

"Our expectation going in is that it probably wouldn't be heard until next week.''

Shoob's decision to deny NASCAR's request for a stay followed a private hearing.

NASCAR has tried to prevent the Cingular logo from being changed to the AT&T logo on Burton's car. AT&T is the sole owner of Cingular and is rebranding the cell phone company's name to AT&T.

After Friday's ruling, AT&T announced that Burton's car will be repainted in time for Saturday's Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Sprint Nextel Corp. sponsors NASCAR's premier series, the Nextel Cup, and has exclusive rights as the telecommunications company for the series. Attorneys argued the only exceptions are companies, including Cingular, that already sponsored cars when Nextel reached its agreement with NASCAR.

San Antonio-based AT&T became the full owner of Atlanta-based Cingular when it completed its purchase of Atlanta-based BellSouth Corp. in December.

Cingular argued that its rights included changing its brand name to AT&T.

Shoob said forcing Burton's car to continue to carry Cingular's brand would only confuse fans.

"The court concludes that the continued appearance of the Cingular brand on the No. 31 car, unaccompanied by any indication that Cingular now does business as AT&T, is likely to confuse NASCAR fans,'' Shoob wrote.

Shoob also concluded that AT&T has shown it will suffer irreparable harm in the form of loss of goodwill and loss of exclusive rights to renew its sponsorship agreement unless the court issues the injunction.

NASCAR argued that Nextel was entitled to exclusivity through its 10-year, $700 million investment that began in 2004. It also said it could be sued by Sprint Nextel if the court granted the injunction in favor of AT&T.

"Regardless of whether Sprint Nextel could or may bring suit against NASCAR, the court finds that the threat of such a suit does not outweigh the actual and imminent irreparable harm plaintiff will suffer if the court does not issue an injunction,'' Shoob said in his ruling.

The No. 31 car has been sponsored by Cingular Wireless LLC since 2001. Cingular had been a joint venture of AT&T and BellSouth before AT&T purchased BellSouth.


nascar.com

Nextel All-Star Challenge Line Up - Ryan Nemwan 8th

1 17 Matt Kenseth Ford DEWALT 44.481 121.401 Leader
2 48 Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Lowe's / Power of Pride 43.830 123.203 -1.802
3 2 Kurt Busch Dodge Miller Lite World Beer Cup 43.671 123.653 -2.252
4 29 Kevin Harvick Chevrolet Pennzoil Platinum / Shell 43.590 123.881 -2.480
5 31 Jeff Burton Chevrolet Cingular Wireless 43.587 123.891 -2.490
6 5 Kyle Busch Chevrolet Kellogg's / CARQUEST 43.572 123.932 -2.531
7 24 Jeff Gordon Chevrolet DuPont Performance Alliance 43.566 123.950 -2.549
8 12 Ryan Newman Dodge ALLTEL 43.393 124.443 -3.042
9 11 Denny Hamlin Chevrolet FedEx Freight 43.368 124.515 -3.114
10 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Budweiser 43.197 125.009 -3.608
11 9 Kasey Kahne Dodge Dodge Dealers / UAW 43.132 125.197 -3.796
12 16 Greg Biffle Ford Ameriquest 43.045 125.450 -4.049
13 44 Dale Jarrett Toyota UPS 42.613 126.723 -5.322
14 83 Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull 42.593 126.781 -5.380
15 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge Cheerios / Betty Crocker 42.507 127.038 -5.637
16 25 Casey Mears Chevrolet National Guard / GMAC 42.384 127.406 -6.005
17 20 Tony Stewart Chevrolet The Home Depot 41.164 131.183 -9.782
18 01 Mark Martin Chevrolet U.S. Army - - -

AT&T wins injunction, but NASCAR is granted stay

In a ruling that could have broad implications in the realm of NASCAR sponsorships -- and in the realm of sports sponsorship in general -- U.S. District Court Senior Judge Marvin H. Shoob on Friday in Atlanta granted AT&T Mobility a preliminary injunction that will allow the placement of AT&T Wireless logos on the No. 31 Cingular Chevrolet owned by Richard Childress and driven in NASCAR Nextel Cup racing by Jeff Burton.

Unless NASCAR prevails at a hearing to stay the injunction order, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the AT&T paint scheme will debut in Saturday's Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

"I am just really happy for AT&T that we are going to be able to re-brand our car to AT&T and carry on," Childress said in a Friday afternoon news conference. "We want to get back to really trying to win this championship. It is just a great day for RCR and AT&T."

The suit stems from the recent merger between AT&T and Cingular Wireless and their desire to re-brand the Cingular name as AT&T. On March 16, 2007, AT&T filed suit against NASCAR after NASCAR denied the company's request to include the AT&T logos on the rear quarter panels of the No. 31 car.

Sprint/Nextel, a competitor of AT&T in the wireless communications arena, is the title sponsor of the Nextel Cup Series. The sponsorship agreement between Sprint/Nextel and NASCAR precludes any other wireless companies from sponsoring cars in the series. Cingular and Alltel (which sponsors the No. 12 Dodge of Ryan Newman) were grandfathered into the series because their agreements predated the title sponsorship of Sprint/Nextel.

To prevail in its request for a preliminary injunction, AT&T had to satisfy four criteria:

• A substantial likelihood of success on the merits in the lawsuit proper;

• A substantial threat of irreparable harm if the injunction were not granted;

• That the potential injury to AT&T outweighed the potential hardship to NASCAR;

• That the granting of the injunction would not be adverse to the public interest.

Judge Shoob's ruling indicates that, in his opinion, those criteria were met.

On Friday afternoon, NASCAR requested the stay hearing, which was granted by Judge Shoob. The sanctioning body also indicated that if a stay is not granted on Saturday, NASCAR would seek an emergency stay from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday morning.

It has been AT&T's contention that nothing in its sponsorship contract prohibits a name change -- only that AT&T could not increase its brand position on the car (Cingular is the primary sponsor) or transfer the sponsorship to another car.

NASCAR contends that its exclusivity arrangement with Nextel Cup Series title sponsor Sprint/Nextel precludes another wireless company from entering the series as a sponsor and that the name change from Cingular to AT&T violates that exclusivity agreement.

The sanctioning body issued a statement expressing its disappointment with Friday's ruling: "NASCAR is disappointed with today's ruling but will continue to provide a sponsor friendly environment for the industry and its partners. NASCAR is currently weighing any and all options for appeal of today's decision. Meanwhile, NASCAR will continue to protect the industry from actions designed to interrupt a business model which has been beneficial to all.

"It is important to understand that Sprint/Nextel is a cornerstone sponsor that benefits the entire industry by way of its contribution to the championship points fund, technology bringing fans closer to the sport, and its massive marketing and advertising campaigns."

Understandably, Sprint/Nextel did not agree with Judge Shoob's decision.

"While we respect the court's decision, we disagree with this preliminary ruling," said Dean Kessel, director of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series marketing for Sprint/Nextel. "Sprint/Nextel has been committed to enhancing the NASCAR fan experience in many ways, including increasing the point funds payout and developing cutting-edge technology and services for the betterment of the fans, the teams and the sport.

"All of this was possible through the exclusivity granted to us as the series sponsor for the Nextel Cup, and that exclusivity from NASCAR also grants us protection from other telecommunications competitors infringing on our sponsorship rights. The merger that created the new AT&T means their brand now represents a much broader and more comprehensive company than the Cingular brand, which was allowed to retain its existing brand position with the racing team. We will continue to follow the case closely."

NASCAR.com

Newman 5th Fastest For All-Star Practice

Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge were 5th fastest in the All-Star practice at Lowes Motor Speedway today.

Newman had a time of 178.749 30.210 -0.252.

Gordon was the fastest with a time of 180.252 29.958.

Things are looking good for Nemman and his team. Ryan Newmans pit crew earned won the Pit Crew Competition on WED Night. And Being 5th fastest in practice is a good sign for Nemwan and team.

Mike

Judge: AT&T can put logo on No. 31 car

NASCAR can't stop AT&T Inc. from featuring its logo on Jeff Burton's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Court Judge Marvin Shoob in Atlanta issued a preliminary injunction barring NASCAR and any entity affiliated with it from interfering with AT&T's rights as primary sponsor of the car in NASCAR Cup Series races.

NASCAR tried to prevent the Cingular logo from being changed to the AT&T logo on Burton's car. AT&T is the sole owner of Cingular and is rebranding the cell phone company's name to AT&T.

Sprint Nextel Corp. sponsors NASCAR's premier series, the Nextel Cup, and has exclusive rights as the telecommunications company for the series. Attorneys argued the only exceptions are companies, including Cingular, that already sponsored cars when Nextel reached its agreement with NASCAR.

San Antonio-based AT&T became the full owner of Atlanta-based Cingular when it completed its purchase of Atlanta-based BellSouth Corp. in December.

Cingular argued that its rights included changing its brand name to AT&T.

In his ruling, Shoob said, "The court concludes that the continued appearance of the Cingular brand on the No. 31 car, unaccompanied by any indication that Cingular now does business as AT&T, is likely to confuse NASCAR fans."

Shoob also concluded that AT&T has shown it will suffer irreparable harm in the form of loss of goodwill and loss of exclusive rights to renew its sponsorship agreement unless the court issues the injunction.

NASCAR had argued that AT&T would be welcome to sponsor a car in NASCAR's Busch series or truck racing, but that Nextel was entitled to exclusivity through its 10-year, $700 million investment that began in 2004. It also said it could be sued by Sprint Nextel if the court granted the injunction in favor of AT&T.

"Regardless of whether Sprint Nextel could or may bring suit against NASCAR, the court finds that the threat of such a suit does not outweigh the actual and imminent irreparable harm plaintiff will suffer if the court does not issue an injunction," Shoob said in his ruling.

Attorneys for NASCAR and Sprint Nextel did not immediately return calls asking for comment.

In a statement, AT&T said it was pleased with the ruling.

"We look forward to the debut of the new paint scheme and to directing our focus back to the action on the track and to Jeff Burton's fantastic start to the 2007 season," said John Burbank, AT&T vice president of marketing.

The No. 31 car has been sponsored by Cingular Wireless LLC since 2001. Cingular had been a joint venture of AT&T and BellSouth before AT&T purchased BellSouth.

According to AT&T, earlier this year NASCAR rejected a transitional plan to change the paint scheme and introduce the AT&T logo on Burton's car. AT&T later filed suit against NASCAR.

Foxsports

2002 All-Star: Rookie gives us first glimpse of Rocket

There wasn't anything the competition could throw at rookie Ryan Newman -- including a helmet -- that could keep him from winning the 2002 The Winston.

Newman was the longest of longshots, winning a qualifying race just to make the field. His victory was worth $750,000.

"Man, I had to drive the wheels off of it to win this thing," Newman said. "It's pretty cool."

With the field cut to 20 cars following the first segment, and then 10 for the final 20-lap sprint, Newman was able to maneuver his way through traffic to survive and advance.

However, Elliott Sadler didn't take kindly to Newman's aggressiveness, and after spinning out in the second segment, took matters into his own ... hand. Sadler launched his helmet at Newman's car during the caution.

"I'd like to apologize to my sponsor for the way I acted," Sadler said. "I probably shouldn't have done that but this is The Winston and I wanted to win this thing."

Another rookie, Jimmie Johnson, won the first two segments -- but he and Bill Elliott needed some luck after both cars went down a lap after unscheduled stops early in the first segment. It came when Ward Burton ran into the back of Sterling Marlin's car as Marlin slowed to make his mandatory pit stop.

"I don't know what Ward's problem was, I guess you'll have to ask him," Marlin said. "We were just minding our own business down the back straightaway and he just got against us and turned us head on into the fence. It was pretty uncalled for."

Sadler's helmet toss was the highlight of the second segment -- and the field was inverted for the final 20 laps, with Newman fourth behind Tony Stewart. Newman wasted little time getting to the lead and built an advantage of three seconds when Kurt Busch spun Robby Gordon.

That bunched the field with five laps remaining. Newman thought he had the field covered on the restart, but NASCAR officials determined Newman jumped the green flag and waved it off. Given another chance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- on newer tires -- sliced his way through traffic and quickly closed on Newman.

At one point, Newman got loose but Junior decided not to press the issue.

"I let off because I didn't want to spin him out," Earnhardt said. "And that was the end of the race."

Newman obviously appreciated the gesture.

"That was just good, hard racing," Newman said. "He had four tires that were fresher than mine, and that makes a big difference.

"He caught me with about two laps to go, cut underneath me a couple of times but couldn't complete the pass. We had to work hard for everything tonight."


source-nascar.com

Ryan and Krissie Newman Interview On Sirus Radio Toady

Ryan and Krissie will be dong interviews on NASCAR Sirius satellite radio today in support of NASCAR Day and the Ryan Newman Foundation.

Tune from 11:30 to Noon to catch Ryan Newman discussing the outlook for his #12 Dodge Team this year. He will also be discussing things about the Ryan Nemwan Foundation.

At 2:45 you can tune in to hear an interview with Krissie Newman, Ryan's wife.

Ryan Newman's #12 Pit Crew Wins Pit Crew Challenge

Ryan Newman’s pit crew was able to beat Bobby Labonte’s team in the final round of the Wednesday Nights Pit Crew Challenge.

The No. 12 team won the NASCAR Nextel Pit Crew Challenge on Wednesday night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena, displaying some of the athleticism and deft moves that might be more associated with the building's NBA tenant.

Newman’s crew was a little slower getting to the jack but they were able to make up time pushing the car faster in the 40 yard dash at the end of the event.

Newman’s crew was able to change all 4 tires, fill the vehicle with gas and push it 40 yards in 24.66 seconds. They beat Labonte’s team by .33 seconds and winning $70,300.

Newman's winning crew included George Whitley (gas man), Brian White (gas catch-can man), Ben Brown (front tire changer), Scott Reiniger (front tire carrier), Joe Piette Jr. (rear tire changer), Trent Cherry (rear tire carrier) and Britt Goodrich (jackman).

To get to the finals, the No. 12 dispatched the crews of Dale Jarrett, Jeff Gordon, Brian Vickers - whose Red Bull team had the second-fastest time of the night - and Kyle Busch before meeting Labonte's team.

The event pitted 24 crews -- seeded based on the Nextel Cup points standings -- facing each other in head-to-head stops with the winners of each heat advancing to the next round.

The competition strayed from normal race pit stops. Teams changed tires on two unmarked cars, filled the tank on another and a jackman lifted a fourth car. The jackman then ran to the team's regular car and began pushing it to the finish line, joined by the rest of his crew as they finished their tasks.

Teams received time penalties for infractions ranging from loose lug nuts to spilled gas, which caused several teams to be eliminated after initially winning their heats. There were penalties on at least one team in each of the first 15 head-to-head stops.

CONGREATULATION TO NEWMAN’S PIT CREW

Support The Ryan Newman Foundation On NASCAR Day – May 18th

Make a difference on NASCAR Day

Help Ryan & Krissie Newman fulfill the mission of the Ryan Newman Foundation by making a donation to the Ryan Newman Foundation through the NASCAR Day Telethon on May 18

Be sure to mention the Ryan Newman Foundation when you call so 100% of your NASCAR Day Telethon donation will go back to the Ryan Newman Foundation.

The NASCAR Foundation is hosting the inaugural NASCAR Day Telethon on Friday, May 18th live from the Sam Bass Gallery across the street from Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Fans are encouraged to make donations through the NASCAR Day Telethon by calling 1-888-MAY-18TH or 1-888-629-1884 or by visiting NASCAR Day Telethon Online to make a donation online. The Ryan Newman Foundation is proud to be supported by the NASCAR Foundation.

Donate $100 and we'll thank you with an Alltel Diecast
The first 100 callers who make a $100 donation to the Ryan Newman Foundation through the NASCAR Day Telethon will receive an autographed 1:64 Scale Alltel Diecast Car thanks to a generous donation from Alltel Wireless.

Donate $1,000 and we'll thank you with a VIP Fishing Tourney Package
The first 10 callers who make a $1,000 donation to the Ryan Newman Foundation through the NASCAR Day Telethon will receive a pair of VIP Reception Tickets to the RNF's 2nd Annual Charity Fishing Tournament VIP Reception on December 7, 2007 in NC, as well as a limited-edition 2006 Inaugural RNF Fishing Tournament tee-shirt autographed by Ryan Newman, a Ranger Boats ball cap autographed by Ryan Newman, a Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets book autographed by Ryan and Krissie Newman, and an autographed 2007 Ryan Newman hero card.

The mission of the Ryan Newman Foundation...

NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie, established the Ryan Newman Foundation in January 2005.
The mission of the foundation is to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers.
The Ryan Newman Foundation is proud to be supported by the NASCAR Foundation.

Ryan Nemwan up to 13th after Dale JR Docked 100 Points

Ryan Newman's luck is changing a little with Dale Earnhardt JR being docked 100 points.

Dale Earnhardt JR. was docked 100 points for having the rear wing illegally mounted at Darlington. Tony Eury JR. was also suspended for 6 races and fined $100,000 effective immediatly.

The team will of course appeal. They are not disagreeing about the ruling, but they are disagreeing with the severity of the penality.

This is the first penalty handed down involving the COT and NASCAR may be sending a strong message to all teams not to mess with the specifications of the COT.

Well, if the points penalty with stands appeal, then Nemwan will move up to 13th in the points and only 51 points away form Jaime McMurrays 12th position.

This is very unfortunate for JR and I hate to see it happen especially since I am a JR fan. On the other hand this could be the break the Newman needs this year after having a string of "bad luck" earlier in the year.

JR. being the class act that he is has said that he will pay what ever fines Eury JR has coming.

Dodge says they’re staying…at least through 2009

DaimlerChrysler’s decision to sell majority ownership in Chrysler to the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management is not expected to affect Dodge Motorsports’ participation in the Nextel Cup series.

In anticipation of the sell, Mike Accavitti, the director of Dodge Motorsports and Tom LaSorda, the chairman of DaimlerChrysler, visited with Dodge owners Ray Evernham, Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske at Bristol to reassure them of the company’s commitment. All the Dodge teams are locked up contractually through at least 2009.

“We talked to everybody today,'’ Accavitti said. “The message is pretty consistent. We don’t intend on going anywhere.'’

How The Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge Will Work For 2007

The Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge will work a little different this year than it has in the previous years. In order to to qualify for the race you must have won an Nexel Cup event in 2006 0r 2007.

2 additional drivers will be let into the event by qualifying. The 2 fastest out of the 2 20 lap segments of the Nextel Open.

And onedriver will be allowed to compete after being voted in by the fans.

The qualifying order will be determined by the Pit Crew Challenge results on Wednsday Nights competion. So the better (faster) the pit crew is, the higher the starting positions will be for the drivers.

The main race is going to consist of 4 20 lap segments where each team must make 2 pit stops and has the option of making 1 more optional pit stop.

Teams will be given the option of pitting after the first 2 20 lap segments in the main event. They will loose their position on the track.

After the first 2 segments, there will be a mandatory 10 minute stop.

After the third segment all cars will circle the track under caution then make a pit stop under "race like" conditions.

The order that the cars exit pit row will determine the order in which they start segment 4. Once again, the pit crew is very important.

There will NOT be any inverting of the field this year. VERY GOOD in my opinion.

Ryan Newman and the All-Star Challenge

This will be Ryan Newman's sixth appearance at the Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge. Newman won this event in 2002 and is locked into competeing in this event until 2012.

Newman has an average start of 9.4 and an average finish of 7.8. He has three top-five starts, including a pole position in 2005.

Newman has completed 405 of 450 laps in this event giving him an 90.2% completion rate.

Newman is the only driver to race his way into the All-Star Challenge and then go on to win the race. In 2002, Newman won the No Bull Sprint, which made him eligible for the all-star race then known as The Winston. He then went on to win the main race.

Chassis PRS-053 is the primary car for the All-Star Challenge. It has never been raced, and it's an older chassis that was built for the No. 2 team. The Alltel team has updated it to current specifications, tested it at Lowe's Motor Speedway last week during the NASCAR test, and recorded the fifth-fastest time during the evening session on the second day. The lap time was 29.126 seconds, or 185.401 mph on the 1.5-mile track. The backup car is PRS-076. It hasn't been raced this year, but it has been the backup car for every race at an intermediate track this season.

Newman On The All-Star Challenge: "I like running this race every year. You don’t have to worry about points and you can just go out and have fun. My team has always been excited about this race and this year, it has many more features to it than just the race. The Pit Crew Challenge on Wednesday night will decide qualifying order for Friday night, so the over-the-wall guys play a bigger role in this year’s race. I think this whole week is fun for all the teams involved. We have a really good bunch of guys on the pit crew and they did an amazing job for me in the pits at Darlington. I think they have a really good chance of winning the Pit Crew Challenge. I know we’re going to have a good car on Saturday night, too, and I think we will be contending for our second all-star win.”

Ryan Newman and his Penske Racing #12 Alltel Dodge Nextel Cup Team should have a pretty good run here at Lowe's for the Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge.

Newmans record at Lowe's is pretty good. The total average finish is not that great at all, but it seems like he is either really good, or really bad looking at previous stats. This will be discussed more next weeks race.

Mike Pratt

Ryan Newman Quotes On Darlington Race

RYAN NEWMAN (No. 12 alltel Dodge Avenger)

NOTE: Newman has finished ninth, sixth and fourth in the past three races at Talladega, Richmond and Darlington, respectively. Newman’s three straight top 10s have allowed him to move from 26th to 14th in the series standings. He’s 97 points behind 12th place, the final transfer spot in The Chase.

“The alltel Dodge was really good today. We ended up just a little short of Gatorade victory lane today. Those guys were racing me clean there at the end. I was just trying to hold on with old tires. I guess old tires won it, but we were in a position where we were trying to get the lead and it just didn’t play out. The wheel inside the car was turning a lot. The guys did a great job all day and it gives us something else to build on. It was a good points’ day as well. The two (Penske) teams are getting along great. I think Kurt struggled on that last pit stop, but the two teams are working great. We’re looking forward to the all-star race and things to come. I think we’ve got a good program for the rest of the year.

“Old tires won and new tires were close. I think if we hadn’t had that one caution we would have been in better shape yet, but that one caution hurt us. It gave those guys a couple of spots off a chance to knock the rest of us off. I’ve got to thank Jimmie (Johnson) for racing me clean. It’s give and take here at the end, but I was in position with old tires. He knew when he came in he was going to have an opportunity to pass some cars back. I just appreciate him racing me clean.

“I want to thank the fans for coming back and supporting us. It was a great race I thought. I guess the Car of Tomorrow is here today. We had a good run with it, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the races this year. You couldn’t bring the tires up on the short run for them to be there on the long run, at least in our car and I think some other cars had the same situation. We got the lead and raced for the lead a couple of times there. We just weren’t there when the checkered flag fell.

“To be able to pass some guys for the lead instead of staying out on old tires and holding the lead down, it was a good run for us and a sign of good things to come. I respect Jimmie a lot. I’m glad he raced me clean. He had a good opportunity a couple of times there to take my quarter right on around. I’m real ready (to win). I was ready today. It’s Mother’s Day and I wanted to give my Mom the best Mother’s Day present possible. I tried hard. She knows that. We went from ninth to sixth to fourth, so it’s going in the right direction. It’s just a matter of time in my opinion.

“We only had four laps on our tires and it’s a race where you hope everybody else fake the track position, and they did. That last caution flag we had gave everybody a chance to bunch back up the field and they had new tires. That helped them a lot.

“We just finally got results. We’ve had good performances and we’ve had great racecars. I struggled qualifying here for some reason. Once we get everything back on track we’ll be just fine. Our guys are doing a great job. The Hendrick guys are obviously tough, but we’re showing what we’re capable of. We’ve just got to keep following through. It’s not the championship Chase right now. We’re just working our way to it. We’ll keep building on it.

“It was a little rougher, a little more bumpy here with the COT. I wouldn’t say it was night and day difference, but it was a defined difference. I think they did a great job choosing a tire to come here with. It’s not easy task, probably the hardest task they have all year to come here with a good tire. When you get your car right, all you’ve got to do is be better than everybody else, no matter what car you’re driving.

“I heard the 25 blew up. I was hoping the 24 would be next, but those guys did a great job.”

Newman Climbs 5 Positions after Darlington - 10 Positions in 2 weeks

Well, Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge had another great week. Newman finished 4th, his best finish of the year, at Darlington. This will raise him 5 positions in the points standings to 14th. Last week he was only 120 points and 7 positions out of 12th, this week he is only 2 positions and 97 points away from 12th.

Newman and his team have been able to gain 10 point positions in the last 2 weeks. Newman and the #12 Alltle Dodge team have had 3 top 10 finishes with one top 5 in the last three weeks.

Newman and team led for 39 laps today and earned a very much needed extra 5 bonus points for leading. He was also the leading Dodge today with his team mate Kurt Busch being the second Dodge finishing in 12th position. This finish also leaves Newman second in the Dodge standings and Kurt Busch first with the Dodges in 7th position. That is a jump of 2 positions in the Dodge Standings.

Newman raced hard and good in todays Dodge Avenger 500. At the end of the race there was very little chatter on the radio. Newman was wore out.

"I need some Gatorade, please," the driver asked his crew.

Newmans Mother was present today for his awesome running in the Dodge Avenger 500. "It's Mother's Day, and I wanted to give my mom the best Mother's Day present possible," Newman said. "But I tried hard. She knows that."

WAY TO GO RYAN NEWMAN and his Penske Racing #12 Alltel Dodge NASCAR Nextel Cup Team.

Ryan Newman Finishes 4th at Darlington Raceway's Dodge Avenger 500

I missed the first part of the race, but I know by lap 44 Ryan Newman and his #12 Alltel Dodge had worked their way up to 15th from 29th. And then by lap 75 Nemwan was up to 8th.

Lap 75 is where I joined the TV coverage of the race. It sounds like (from the radio brodcast) that JR has a pretty hot car.

Lap 104 completes the cycle of the first green flag pits today. Newman had worked his way up to 7th by this point.

On lap 132 Newman is in 5th and had an almost 4 second lead over 5th place Dale Earnhardt JR.

By lap 171 Ryan Newman and that Penske Racing #12 Dodge Avenger was doing really well running in the 3rd position behind Tony Stewart and then by lap 173 Newman was in 2nd almost 4 seconds behind leader Denny Hamlin. Green flag pits then start.

On lap 178 Denny Hamlin pited giving Ryan Newman the lead. Newman stayed out to gain the 5 points. This is the first time a Dodge has led a lap in the new car. After the 5 bonus points, Nemwan went to the pits. On the way in McMuray stopped short of his pit to avoid hitting Newman on the way out. After the cycle of Green flag pits, Newman was in 3rd and NASCAR threw a debris caution.

Lap 205 Newman had a great car. He was trailing Hamlin by 1+ seconds but leading 3rd place Matt Kensith by almost 4 seconds. Hamlin had a greater lead but scraped the wall allowing Newman to real him in a bit.

By lap 218 Nemwan had reeled Hamlin in. Speculation was the when Hamlin brushed the wall it did just enough minor damage to Hamlin that Newman was able to bring him in.

On lap 222 Newman TAKES THE LEAD. Hamlin let him go without a fuss. Green flag pits are coming in about 15 laps or so. This is Newmans best run yet this year.

There was a caution on lap 239 Schrader and Ragan got into each other. Newman was still in first when it came out. It was time to pit and after the pits Newman came out in 2nd as the second place Matt Kensith gets off pit row ahaed of Newman after leading for 18 laps on that run and a total of 19 laps.

By lap 249 Newman had fallen to 5th after the Hendrick twins passed him and then Hamlin got around him.

After another caution on lap 255 and pits, Newman was back out in 2nd place as his pit crew helps him pick up 3 positions. Behind him was Jordan, Hamlin and then Johnson.

At about lap 220, Newman takes the lead again and is catching Tony Stewart in an effort to put him one lap down. Kurt Busch, Ryan Newmans Penske Racing team mate is up to 6th. Penske Racing dodges are the only 2 Dodges in the top 15!

On lap 292 Newman fell to third with Hamlin in first and Johnson in second.

After a caution on lap 304 Newman restarts 4th behind team mate Kurt Busch and in 3rd. Montoya was 2 laps down and holding up leaders a little. Newman ends up behind Montoya. Newman go around Montoya without an incident.

With 40 laps to go in the race (lap 327), Newman is in still in 4th and just over 4.5 seconds away from leader Jimmie Johnson. Jeff Gordon is in 2nd and Newmans team mate Kurt Busch is in 3rd. Newman would welcome a caution at this point in order to close the gap between him and the leaders.

On lap 334 a debris caution is thrown (FOX shows the debris on TV). All the leaders pit and Newman gets a minor track bar adjustment.

Newman will restart in 3rd behind Gordon in second and Johnson in 3rd. Gordon is steaming alot and may not make it to the end of the race.

NEWMAN GETS THE NEXTEL GETTTING DONE CALL OF THE RACE......IN HIS ALLTEL DODGE!!

After the restart....the #48 and the #24 take off from the rest of the field.

With 25 to go, another debris caution comes out. This could help Gordon to overheat which would put Newman in 2nd. Some cars pit. Johnson comes in, Gordon and Newman stayed out.

On the restart it was Gordon, Nemwan, Dale JR, Marlin and Martin. Green came with 19 to go.

Behind Newman there is cars with new tires and cars with old tires. This should work to Nemwans advantage.

With 17 to go Stremme blows and engine and brings out the caution.

11 to under green Newman and Johnson battling for second. Newman is not easily giving up second.

9 to go Johnson keeps trying...Newman holding him off. Hamlin comes in for 2nd.....Newman holding them all off.

7 to go Hamlin around Newman. Newman and Johnson still battling.

6 to go Johnson around Hamlin.

2 to go and Newman and Edwards battling for 4th.

NEWMAN FINISHES 4th

Penske Would Like To Land Dale Earnhardt JR.

Well, who wouldn't!!!!

I would be thrilled if that actually happened, but like Rodger Penske said, that is very unlikely.

"Certainly we'd like to talk to him," Penske said. "Obviously, he's one of the top drivers in the sport. But from everything I've heard, he wants to say in a Chevrolet. We have a contract with Dodge and we're loyal to that."

NASCAR Cup owners are allowed to have 4 cars. So Penske has the room to fit JR in. He also has the money. Forbes magazine recently listed Penske's net worth at $2.2 billion.

Penske currently has the #12 of Ryan Newman and the #2 of Kurt Busch.

Can or will Roger get JR, I highly doubt it. But that would great. Also I think JR would fit in great at Penske Racing.

Mike

Newman finishied 11th after he and Stewart Battle Hard In Busch Series at Darlington

Well I have only read one story on this and I did not get to see all of the Busch race, in fact it was just bits and pieces here and there. But from one story I read, Ryan Newman and his #12 Kodak Dodge really battled with Tony Stewart. They were banging each other in the corners and the straights.

Newman actually spun on the apron and Stewart had to come in for fender damage. This sent them both back quite a ways. Stewart did manage to finish 7th and Newman finished 11th.

Of course Stewart was quoted as basically saying he did not understand why Newman was doing that to him....poor innocent Tony. (Like I said, I did not see it...but....)

And Newman made the comment that tony was Turning right into him on a left turn only track.

I know who I believe. Actually, without having seen it, I bet it was just HARD racing and neither of them was going to give an inch.

Mike