In last Sunday’s Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway Newman drove a savvy race, conserving fuel when he needed to and posting a runner-up result at the same track where he won earlier in the season.
“The only thing better than going into the last race of the season with a second-place finish is leaving the final event with a first-place finish in our U.S. Army Chevrolet,” said Newman, a 14-time Sprint Cup winner. “It’s kind of been a hit and miss season for us, but we’ve always been on the edge of success. We didn’t make the Chase this season, but we know that we are definitely Chase material and I am confident that it will be a different scenario in 2011 for our No. 39 team.”
The late-season results will confirm that Newman has come on strong, scoring seven of his 13 top-10 finishes in the last 12 races.
“We’ve been better recently — no question about that,” stated Newman. “But we really want to finish off the season with something special, which will make the offseason more pleasant for the entire team.”
Speaking of the offseason, it will definitely be a new experience for Newman as he is soon to become a first-time father. His wife Krisse is due shortly, and in case baby Newman arrives this weekend, four-time NASCAR truck champion Ron Hornaday will be ready to step in as the team’s substitute driver.
“This is an exciting time for Krissie and me and if things work out where Ron will need to get in the car I know he will do a good job,” said Newman. “He did get some seat time in the No. 39 during a practice session in Phoenix.”
Though Newman is on baby watch, he is still keeping his racing focus as he prepares for his ninth start at the 1.5-mile Homestead track. In his previous eight starts, he has scored two top 10s.
“Homestead has not been one of my better tracks in terms of finishes, but I feel that can change this weekend,” noted Newman. “The good news is that every week when we get to the track there is always a high degree of confidence and a high-degree of expectation. The same kind of attitude of our Army Strong Soldiers.”
Notes:
The U.S. Army Racing team will have a number of special south Florida guests at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
.Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Huston, a Purple Heart recipient, who served two deployments in Iraq. He is currently a detail recruiter with the Miami Recruiting Battalion at the Delray Beach, Fla. Recruiting Station.
Four south Florida high school football stars will receive their U.S. Army All American Bowl jerseys on stage during Sunday’s Ford 400 prerace ceremonies. The four players are:
Year St Fn 2002 15 6 2003 4 37 2004 3 20 2005 2 7 2006 16 23 2007 2 18 2008 29 21 2009 7 23
No. 39 U.S. Army Over-the-Wall Crew (city is hometown)
Front-tire changer: Scott Brzozowski, Sterling Heights, Mich.
Front-tire carrier: Josh Mick, Houston, Texas
Rear-tire changer: Brandon Hopkins, Danielson, Conn.
Rear-tire carrier: James Houk, Fair Play, Mo.
Gasman: Michael Moore, Springfield, Mass.
Jackman: Andrew Turner, Coloma, Mich.
Catch Can: Andy Rueger, Seymour, Ind.
8th Man/Windshield: Jay Guarneri, Naples, Fla.
___________________________________________________
Crew Chief: Tony Gibson, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Car Chief: Kevin Pennell, Kannapolis, N.C.
Spotter: Jimmy Kitchens, Hueytown, Fla.
Engine Specialist: Jay Nolan, Jacksonville, Fla.
Engineers: Johnny Klausmeier, Perry Hall, Md.
Wes Gantt, Taylorsville, N.C.
Engine: Hendrick Motorsports
Shock Specialist : Brian Holshouser, Charlotte
Tire Specialist: Jeff Zarrella, Southington, Conn.
- DMF Communications for U.S. Army Racing, Press Release
