First at the start, first at the finish; Ryan Newman wins at the Brickyard

Sweet victory! 

Ryan Newman wins at the Brickyard

All members of the media flocked to interview Ryan Newman after his stellar performance Sunday that resulted in a win at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They had all but written Newman off for this season, fresh on the news that he was losing his ride at Stewart-Haas Racing next year. They barely even mentioned his name week after week. 

That fact has been bothersome to me, as someone who has watched Newman's career over the last ten years. I've written about it often in CHonTrack. While I will admit that--as Newman alluded to in his post-race statement, the moons have not always been aligned--a lackluster finish isn't always a question of driving prowess. I have never doubted his ability. Newman always gives it his all. He always gets the most out of his race car, but admittedly he doesn't always have a winning car nor does he have the greatest luck. The moons were certainly right on Sunday. 

Newman has a trifecta or sorts

Ryan Newman had a great week that began Wednesday with a really good finish at Eldora Speedway, the Ohio track owned by Tony Stewart, when Newman drove a truck there as NASCAR returned to racing's dirt track roots. Then on Friday, Newman set a new track record at Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.5-mile track in 47.992 seconds. That translated to 187.531 mph. He topped Jimmy Johnson's qualifying effort which was also record-breaking by .024 seconds, to put him in the pole position for Sunday's race. Then on Sunday he won the race in spectacular fashion.

Johnson didn't lose the race in the pits; Newman simply beat him

Television pundits couldn't help themselves. More than once, in the same breath that they reported Newman's victory, they attributed it to Jimmy Johnson's final pit stop, a few seconds longer than normal. They audaciously claimed it was just enough to allow Newman to win. 

That certainly isn't my perspective. Not only did Newman drive his heart out, but he bested Johnson's lap times often in those closing laps just as he did in qualifying. Best commentator--Dale Jarrett, who fairly reported on Ryan's run. Not so much for Rusty Wallace, Newman's former teammate who flat out doesn't like Newman. 

To be a Ryan Newman fan

There is no better feeling than watching those moons align. There was something about watching the race Sunday that was magical. It felt just right. Watching Ryan leading laps from the start, getting shuffled back during green-flag pit stops, only to return to the lead, was a thrill. If someone would ask me what else went on during the race, I wouldn't be able to answer. I was completely fixated to the television, as I listened to Ryan's radio, watched his travel times, monitored Twitter, and tuned into Race Buddy to watch Jimmy Johnson's camera feed. Through Johnson's windshield I could watch Ryan motor his Quicken Loans Chevy far ahead of the field. 

Watching those final laps were similar to those at Daytona in 2008 when Ryan won the Daytona 500. 

Ryan's father Greg was spotting for him, just like at Daytona. To hear the excitement in Greg's voice as he told his son, "You've got this," was so exhilarating. 

I've never met Ryan Newman, but as a fan who has followed his career for ten years, I almost feel as if I know him. There is a familiarity that is almost akin to a close friendship or family member. The feelings are similar; they just aren't reciprocated. The empathy is certainly the same. The tears flowed because someone I am fond of, was experiencing a great moment. So, for me, it was a great moment too.

Ryan Newman is a graceful winner. 

Once Ryan was directed to Victory Lane and he emerged from his car, he demonstrated his humility and character. Ryan is well-spoken, respectful, a smile that is so genuine. He has an exceptional sense of humor and knows how to express himself. When asked what those last laps were like, he likened the last ten to his daughter, Brooklyn's learning her numbers. He said counting down from 10 laps to go was so slow and he lost track of which lap he was on. 

It was wonderful to see Ryan, his wife Krissie, their two daughters, Brooklyn and Ashlyn, the reaction from Tony Stewart, congratulations from other drivers, the often elusive media as they followed his every move, the traditional kissing of the bricks. I can only imagine the family celebration that would follow.

Ryan didn't just win a race; he won a race at the Brickyard

Winning his first race of the year was of course memorable. But winning a race at the Brickyard, (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) was a dream come true for Newman. He is an Indiana native, growing up in South Bend, less than 200 miles from the famed race track. The Brickyard is his home track. He attended races there as a boy. It was also Greg's dream to see his son win at Indy. That has to be part of the joy for Newman, to do this for his dad. From all appearances, the Newmans are a close, loving family that sacrificed plenty for their son's racing career. 

More than that, Newman is awed by this race track and the drivers that have crossed that same finish line before him--some of his heroes and mentors. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the oldest race track in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Ryan Newman wins in spectacular fashion as this year marked the 20th anniversary of NASCAR at Indy. The first race was held there in 1994, so Newman won the 20th running at the Brickyard to go with his 50th running of the Daytona 500. 

When Newman was asked in Victory Lane what it felt like to achieve his dream, he said it didn't sink in yet. I just hope he can revel in it as long as possible because in so many ways, I've always known that Ryan Newman is a winner!

Ryan Newman took plenty of hits this week

It was looking like a good points day for Ryan Newman Sunday at New Hampshire, with the potential to get closer to the cutoff for the Chase for the Championship, just eight races away. That is until Kurt Busch got into him and took him out. Valiant efforts by Newman's team to repair the car were futile, resulting in a 39th place finish, moving him from 16th in points down to a three-way tie for 18th. 

What could have been a top 10 finish and possibly contention for the win, was lost in one brief instant, so close to the end of the day. 

Newman and his team were careful to massage their strategy at the same time adjust on the chassis to get the car to handle. Finally, as they got the WIX #39 car into position for a good finish, it was over. 

If that wasn't disheartening enough, I read this morning the ridiculous remarks by Kyle Busch during a Satellite radio program.

"I really hate it that Kurt got tore up and I felt like he had the best car here today," Kyle said to ESPN of his brother, who led a race-high 102 laps. "He was definitely good. He could definitely roll the long runs for sure and I was proud of those guys, but man just stupidity.

"I mean Ryan Newman is the biggest stupid idiot out here. And he's a big ogre and he can do whatever he wants because he can probably kick anybody's butt, so no sense in getting into a fight with him. But glad he is out of a job," Busch said.

WHAT? 

I was pleased to read the responses much like my own--responses that indicate Busch has no idea what he is talking about, such as those in this story. Busch obviously opened his mouth before seeing the replay of the incident that clearly indicates it was Kurt Busch that, to borrow a Newman phrase, "ran out of talent."

Despite his disappointment, Newman was interviewed after the incident, where he managed to smile and be a gentleman about it. Newman knows how to take it like a man, which is something the Busch brothers could learn from him.

While I will admit that Kyle Busch has had some spectacular moments on the race track, they have been balanced by some real boneheaded moves as well. He has wrecked--purposely wrecked--more cars than anyone in recent times and has shot off his mouth about nearly everyone around him. He can't even get along with his own brother.

Had the wreck been Newman's fault, perhaps Busch would have had something to gripe about. But that wasn't the case. There is no excuse for his remark about being glad Newman is out of a job. How dare him say such a thing?

Indeed, this was not a good week for Newman, who just learned days before what he probably already knew, that he would not be driving a race car for Stewart-Haas Racing next year. Instead, Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas decided to fire Newman, his friend, in favor of a friend with funding--Kevin Harvick. It is all about the money--one of the things I really hate about NASCAR and one of the things that will probably drive me away altogether one day. Tony's decision to field Danica Patrick and Kevin Harvick next year was strictly about GoDaddy and Budweiser, Danica and Kevin's sponsors respectively. Atilla the Hun could have been the drivers and it wouldn't have mattered. Had Ryan had his own sponsor, the decision might have been different.

I'm not really concerned that Ryan will find a place to go next year. He is a good, competitive, intelligent race car driver and given good equipment, will drive into Victory Lane. 

Clearly, Stewart-Haas dropped the ball on the new Generation 6 car at the same time Stewart-Haas was making changes in personnel in order to accommodate Danica Patrick. 

So, while I am disheartened over the lost potential for Ryan Newman at New Hampshire and concerned about the remainder of his 2013 season, I'm sickened by Stewart's decision to oust Newman in 2014 and really angry at Kyle Busch's ill-thought remarks. Ryan Newman deserves better. Busch owes him an apology, thought I doubt that will ever happen. If he finds himself spinning one day, I doubt there will be many tears shed.

NASCAR Green; don't think so

I suppose using a hybrid pace car is a step in the right direction, but NASCAR Green? C'mon, NASCAR is a gas-guzzling, sport. If you think environmentalists will ever embrace NASCAR, you are delusional.

This is one of my biggest complains about NASCAR -- it is trying to sell us a bill of goods. So insincere. If NASCAR wants us to embrace its green initiatives, don't run your commercials right after one that hawks Monsanto's Roundup.

Still a NASCAR fan but with caveats

When people ask me if I am a NASCAR fan, I'm really not sure what to say. I often hesitate before saying yes, but with caveats.

nascar (Photo credit: rogerblake2)

The truth of the matter is that I have watched every NASCAR race since I became interested in auto racing in 2004. That is, I've watched every race but the recent Texas race sponsored by the NRA, (National Rifle Association). My disgust for NASCAR seemingly siding with the NRA at a time when the entire country was reeling over the escalation of gun violence in this country was like a slap in the face to caring, thinking individuals who recognize that something must be done to stem the rise in violent behavior.

Whatever NASCAR was thinking, and I assume it was profit-motivated, sent a chilling message to me and apparently many others that have apparently stopped filling the stands at various race venues. Since the death of Bill France, Jr. in 2007, the decisions that have been made in this sport have come at a high cost. I'm not sure he would approve. While Brian France has every right to carry on the family business, he apparently has his own ideas and his own agenda. He is clearly not motivated by the same passions of his father and grandfather before him, who is credited with starting the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.

There are still many good things that I like about NASCAR that keep me coming back every weekend, despite often finding myself aggravated or worse during and after a race. Usually, that annoyance stems from an out-of-left field decision, a ruling on issues never before considered, or a penalty levied against a driver or team for no good reason. Admittedly I also get aggravated when my favorite driver has an off-day. Since that is Ryan Newman, I haven't been a happy camper lately. I still have hope for Ryan's season though. And wasn't it awesome to watch Tony Stewart smoke 'em all last Sunday at Dover? There is nothing better than a surprise finish by someone that deserves it and works hard for it.

Like the rest of us, it is clear that NASCAR has favorite drivers that can do no wrong, while others can't do anything right. I'm of the belief that as the sanctioning body, NASCAR should not have favorite drivers. They should treat all drivers the same. I dare anyone to claim they do that.

It seems Brad Keselowski, who is ironically NASCAR's reigning 2012 champion is the one on the hot seat these days. Brad better not turn around too fast for fear he will be penalized for it.

The bottom line for me, is that I used to proudly proclaim to be a NASCAR fan. That isn't really the case anymore.

From political affiliation which continues to espouse non-secular leanings, biased announcers that call the race, favoritism for specific drivers, inconsistent to unfair rule interpretation, and its public relations policies based on only offering the 'good' stories, NASCAR does not really stand for anything I believe in.

If it wasn't for driver personalities and the dynamic of auto racing, that offers such an emotional connection, I would be gone too. When NASCAR controls what drivers can and cannot say, and they have come close, that's my line in the sand.

Ryan Newman speaks his peace at Talladega; is he right?

Who can blame Ryan Newman for being upset when a car once again lands on top of his race car after doing barrel rolls in the last laps of the race Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway? 

In a crazy closing laps crash caused by Ricky Stenhouse misjudging the distance to take his car four-wide, numerous cars were sent spinning, Kurt Busch's car flipped over and landed on top of Newman's car. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the melee.

"They can build safer race cars, they can build safer walls. But they can't get their heads out of their asses far enough to keep them on the race track, and that's pretty disappointing. I wanted to make sure I get that point across. Y'all can figure out who 'they' is," Newman said. 

"That's no way to end a race. Our car was much better than that. That's just poor judgment in restarting the race, poor judgment ... I mean, you got what you wanted but poor judgment and running in the dark and running in the rain. That's it, thank you," Newman said.

NASCAR will likely not take kindly to Newman's remarks following the race at Talladega. They will probably attribute his statement to his anger over a poor finish that resulted in Newman's top 5 potential turning into a 32nd place finish. Undoubtedly there is that, but that is only part of it. Newman has long been frustrated about NASCAR's inability to keep the cars from getting airborne. Indeed there have been numerous instances of racecars flying into other cars and even with parts flying into the stands injuring fans. There seems to be no real solution in sight--just bandaid fixes. 

NASCAR has a history of penalizing and fining drivers that make remarks they deem to be disparaging. They have been wrong in the past and they will likely be wrong again if they penalize Newman for speaking the truth. 

Perhaps it is time for NASCAR to stop worrying so much about appearances, stop thinking about racing as just another stunt show, and start getting concerned with the safety and the future of racing in general.