Ryan Newman wins at Phoenix; fans elated

It has been a long time since I've been inspired to post in CHonTrack. Not only was I inspired Sunday while watching NASCAR at Phoenix, but I was moved to tears.

I breathlessly watched as Ryan Newman, my favorite driver, restarted in first place following a late race caution. He stayed out on old tires, while most of the rest of the field pitted for new rubber. Ryan had been fast for the entire race, but this gutsy strategy, combined with the sheer will to get it done brought him over the finish line to take the checkered flag. 

This was the first race Newman had won since 2013 when he won at Indianapolis. Even the prestige of winning at the Brickyard can only go so far. Newman was hungry for a win. He hadn't posted a win since joining Richard Childress Racing, now in his fourth season. He came oh-so-close to winning the race as well as the 2014 championship, but close doesn't really count in the large scheme of things. So, this was a sweet win for Newman and all of those of us who faithfully watch him every week.

This race started out like so many others. Newman's once-stellar qualifying efforts which earned him the nickname "Rocketman" have waned in recent years. He hasn't won a pole since 2013 either. Newman didn't make it to the second round of qualifying; he was set to start in position #22. I have to admit, my expectations weren't all that great, going into Sunday's race.

But things started looking up as Newman kept picking off car after car. There were also some problems with pit stops. As Newman would fight for every position on the track, he lost several due to slow pit stops. But that improved during the race as well. On the first stop, I believe I recall his losing five spots. While on the last pit stop, he actually gained a spot. 

Newman was, at times, the fastest car on the track. Anyone who has watched him, knows that when Newman has a fast car, he knows how to put it into Victory Lane. And, as he has proven so often, he and his team have perfected racing strategy. That was evident on that last call when Crew Chief Luke Lambert told him to stay out when nearly everyone else pitted. Staying out even on old tires gave him the track position he needed. He used the clean air ahead of him to rocket forward on the restart and never look back. Well, he probably did look back, using the rear view mirror enough to realize he had this one. 

It was obviously a grueling race, on a hot day in the desert. It took its toll on him, but Newman is a good winner. Congratulations to Ryan, Luke, and the entire #31 team for a job well done. Your fans appreciate you and share in your victory.

Just one more day...

NASCAR tires (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We only have to wait one more day before we learn the results of the Richard Childress Racing appeal following NASCAR's heavy-handed penalties for tire tampering against Ryan Newman and the #31 team.

The team was accused of altering their tires, possibly with one or more minuscule holes in the tires in an effort to bleed off some of the pressure that naturally builds up during long racing runs. 

Huge penalties and fines were levied against the team following the California race held March 22. Crew Chief Luke Lambert was fined $125,000, and was suspended for six races, including the All Star Race next month. Also suspended were Tire Technician James Bender and Engineer Philip Surgen. The three would be on probation for the rest of 2015. Both owner Richard Childress and driver Ryan Newman were docked 75 points each.

The penalty hit Newman hard, dropping him from sixth in the points standings to 26th. 

NASCAR has been confiscating tires from various teams, but the #31 team was the only one penalized.

According to NASCAR, the violations included three infractions of its rule book.

• 12.1 - Actions detrimental to stock car racing
• 20.16 Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted.
• 20.16.2 Modifications to the tires, by treatment or any other means, will not be permitted.

These infractions are considered very serious by NASCAR. On a scale of 1 to 6, this violation ranks fifth. 

An appeal will be held Thursday. NASCAR complied with RCR's request to defer suspensions, (but not points), pending the outcome of the appeal. If RCR wins the appeal, the points would be reinstated or they could possibly be reduced.

"We feel confident we have a very compelling case to present to the appeals panel," Childress said in a press release. "We strongly believe in the intent of the rules and integrity of our own teams while following those same rules." 

Childress was mum however on any further explanation in an effort to "respect the appeals process."

NASCAR has also said nothing more, which makes it difficult to know just what the case is against the #31 team.  

The magic number is 40!

Or is the magic number really 31?

The green flag will drop to start the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Season in just 40 days!

Oh how long it seems since that gut-wrenching moment in Homestead, Florida when Kevin Harvick crossed the finish line with Ryan Newman just a half-second behind him. What a season for the two of them, after seemingly switching rides. It appears that both made the right decision; Harvick to Stewart-Haas Racing and Newman to Richard Childress Racing.

For me, the best part of Harvick's win was when Newman came up to him in Victory Lane, wearing that characteristic smile Newman Nation has come to know and love, congratulated his friend on winning the race and the championship that Newman wanted so badly he could taste it.

The best part of Newman's season was his stellar performance in the Chase, as he raced his way to the season climax. Some of the ugly remarks during the controversy that surrounded Newman's nail-biting upset to make the final round without winning a race during the regular season was galling, but in the long run may prove the point Newman fans have always known; Newman is a top-notch driver who is capable of winning a championship. Now, everyone else knows what we know!

In the past, little has been said about Newman during the course of a race. Sure, his performance was talked about during career extremes, like when he won the Daytona 500 or the Brickyard 400, but rarely does he fly on the radar screen of television analysts. Someone should compare the times his name is mentioned in comparison to that of Dale, Jr. or Jimmy Johnson. The difference would be stunning. Even as a Newman fan, it is sometimes difficult to follow his progress on the track because the guys and gals in the booth don't follow him. Without gadgets like in-car radio and cameras, it would be next to impossible to follow Newman's progress during a race. Instead of unbiased coverage, certain TV personalities simply gush over their favorite drivers.

As an example, Newman was pretty much written off by them in the first elimination of the chase. Hah!

Newman Nation know what Newman is capable of. His driving prowess came as no surprise to us. We knew how hard he was driving his race car, every single lap. We heard the frustration in his voice when things went awry during a pitstop for example, or in the rare instances when he made a costly mistake. We paid attention when Newman was three laps down yet finished the race on the lead lap in the top 15. So, when it looked like Newman was surprising everyone with his awesome run during the Chase, those of us that have followed him were not surprised at all. We were just pleased.

So to say that there is great anticipation for the 2015 season, is putting it mildly. So, on to February 22, 2015, the first race of the season--the Daytona 500.

It is just 40 days away. It won't be long now!

Ryan Newman may finally get noticed

I'm finally breathing again, as is all of #NewmanNation; which means it is safe to reflect on Ryan Newman's excellent performance at Talladega. 

Just after the Newman's fifth place finish and stellar performance, last weekend, NASCAR announced that Newman's car had failed its post race inspection. Apparently the height on both sides of his car, in the rear, was too low. Panic was short-lived however, as Tuesday morning NASCAR revealed that the height difference was due to damage from a crash Newman was involved in during the race, a seemingly uneventful crash by the way, that did little to slow his momentum on the track.

Newman went into the weekend in good shape; he emerged from it even better. He has still not won a race this year, but a win is certainly not out of his reach. Each week he finishes closer to the lead. He now stands third in points, as he advances to the next round of NASCAR's Chase for the Championship. 

Some of us are not surprised by this turn of events. Others never imagined that Newman would advance farther than Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhard, Jr., or Kasey Kahne. 

But consider that Newman is rarely talked about. I have often complained that Newman is the Rodney Dangerfield of NASCAR, that he gets no respect. And that has continued, although his performance this year can't be denied. 

While those that have not watched closely enough, this appears to be a brand new, Ryan Newman, one that is hungry for a win and even hungrier to win a championship. It is all that is left for him. He has already won the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. Can a championship be far behind?

So many Newman naysayers counted him out, but he is proving them all wrong. I am delighted that people are finally getting to see the Ryan Newman I have always seen. I've always known that he is capable, skilled, strategic, smart, and likes to drive fast. 

But there is now a spotlight on him that is illuminating the Ryan Newman I have known since about 2004 when my son introduced me to NASCAR. I never got to see Ryan's amazing 2003 season where he logged eight wins and 11 poles. But, I certainly heard about it. Still, I was intrigued by him. I still am. I like his personality, his sense of humor, his love of family, and his affection for old barns, farm life, and animals of every kind. He isn't a pushover; he doesn't always say what people want to hear. He tells it like it is. He isn't afraid to express his opinion. Those are all qualities that have caused me to want to know more. So, I have read all there is to read about him. I've watched him race. I've read post race interviews. I listen to his radio traffic during races. I watch his race times and speed during the race. I try to understand how he races. 

Without that level of interest, there is little being said about Ryan. Announcers rarely talk about him. He isn't interviewed often. NASCAR isn't fond of some of the things Ryan has said, so they ignore him. Reporters, most of whom answer to NASCAR's big-whigs, go the other way when Ryan walks toward them. They either don't like what he says, or he jests over their heads. His sense of humor isn't for everyone. I happen to like it. 

NASCAR is keeping the "most popular driver" thing going, since all they ever talk about is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. That isn't the case with Ryan Newman. Just for fun, sit in front of your television set and count the number of times Earnhardt's name is mentioned and compare it to the number of times Newman's name is said. You will be amazed. Ryan Newman flies below the radar.

The truth of the matter is that Ryan isn't really doing anything any different than he ever did. The difference is his team. Now with Richard Childress Racing, Ryan joined a team that had already worked out the kinks before he got there. His driving style hasn't changed. His problem at Penske Racing was that Dodge wasn't supporting their product. Roger Penske was largely absent. When he went to Stewart/Haas Racing, everything was new. Equipment was new, personnel was new and there were always changes. 

He is finally with a team that is on the same page with him. The equipment is proven. The reputation is proven. And Luke Lambert, Newman's crew chief is also proving to be top notch. 

Since Talladega, Lambert has pulled ahead of three other crew chiefs in the contest for "problem solver of the year." He is in contention for the $100,000 MOOG Award sponsored by Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation.

Let's hope the good streak continues, on into Martinsville, this week, a track where Ryan can win as he did in 2012. 

Happy New Year!

Daytona 500 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy New Year!

The time line in my mind is set on February 23. The way I see it, Christmas is over; the new year has begun. That means the next event on my calendar is the Daytona 500 -- just 52 days from the very moment that I am writing this.

Oh, I can almost feel the excitement. I will make guacamole, a race day tradition. I have a new tablet now, so I will be able to follow Twitter along with my usual computer accoutrements that aid in my race coverage. As a Ryan Newman fan, I'm all about Ryan's race. Generally I am only marginally aware of what else happens on the track.

When Race Buddy is available, I watch it. Otherwise, I am tuned into NASCAR's live leaderboard. I like to monitor Ryan's speed, lap times as well as the times of other competitors near him. I can glean the separation between his car and those directly in front or behind him, so I can pretty much tell when he is about to pass another car or if another is about to pass him. My suspicions are usually backed up by the race day scanner, which will always be tuned to what will now be the #31 team at Richard Childress Racing (RCR).

It is a bummer knowing I won't hear the familiar voice of Matt Borland, Ryan's crew chief both at Penske Racing and more recently at Stewart-Haas Racing. Luke Lambert will take over that role at RCR. Recognition of his voice and style will take some getting used. What is even more important than the sound of his voice though will be how he and Newman relate to one another. Of course, Ryan's voice on the radio will be easily recognizable. He doesn't say much on the radio, but there is generally enough to tell the story. He is always clear and concise about his concerns as he communicates concerns about handling issues and the car's aerodynamic behavior.

With Newman having a three-year contract, this first year will be an interesting learning experience. As the time for Speed weeks draws closer, the excitement level will undoubtedly escalate. For now though, I remain in anticipation mode.

Looking at the new year ahead is going to be so much more enjoyable than looking back at the last season.

The new diecast cars are available to purchase. Check this out--purchase a new diecast of the Quicken Loans #31. The Caterpillar car is also available for purchase at NASCAR.com.

So fellow race fans, it won't be long now...

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When I think red, I think Ryan Newman and Quicken Loans!

I have wanted to change the color scheme of CHonTrack ever since the U.S. Army left sponsorship for the #39 car. I just hadn't done it yet.

I think it only fair though, since Quicken Loans has proven to be such a good sponsor for the #39 and soon-to-be the #31 car, that it is only fitting that I change my color scheme as well.

Here's to Ryan Newman, his colors, and lots of luck in the final races of the 2013 season.

And most notably, here's to 2014.

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Newman/Borland team; what will become of them?

Working out the scanner issues (Photo credit: purduenila)

As I was listening to the radio communication between Stewart- Haas Racing's Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 car and his Crew Chief, Matt Borland, Sunday at Kansas, I began to wonder about next year. 

Changes always require a period of adjustment, but I can't help but wonder what will become of the long-time relationship between these two. They have built a real team, both on the race track and off. Yet in 2014 Ryan Newman will move to Richard Childress Racing; his crew chief will be Luke Lambert on the #31 Caterpillar/Quicken Loans car. There has been no word on the future of Matt Borland. Will he remain with Stewart-Haas Racing, or follow Newman, as occurred when Newman joined Stewart-Haas.

These two have been through so much together. From 2001 to 2006, the two worked well together at Penske Racing, scoring 12 wins and 37 poles. Following a brief separation, they coalesced once more under the Stewart-Haas banner. Borland was hired in an engineering capacity, but returned as Crew Chief to Ryan Newman's #39 car last year. The result brought an end to Newman's winless streak at New Hampshire and a big win this summer at Indianapolis. Newman has also posted top speeds, giving him the pole twice in recent months.

There is no question that the two, both with engineering backgrounds, and an analytic approach to problem-solving, work well together. They are personal friends. Matt was the best man at Ryan and Krissie Newman's wedding.

Added pressure of the last few races of this season; perhaps the last races the two will work together, are undoubtedly stressful. It was made more so, according to the sense I got from hearing the tone of the voices over the radio at Kansas yesterday. Newman just happened to be the collateral damage when Justin Allgaier lost control of his car, hit the wall and slammed into Newman. The damage was severe, though the team worked hard to get Newman back onto the track to earn one more position before the race ended.

The situation called for some tense moments, as the crew had to practically rebuild the back end of the race car as well as the right side. Borland urged the team to calm down and just do their jobs. But that normally cool demeanor was preceded by a few raised voices and loud directives. It was not a good day for the #39 team. The result was losing five places in the points. If it wasn't for bad luck, Newman would have no luck at all. The team never gave up however. They got Newman fixed up, back on the track in time to make up one more position. Every point counts. He finished the race in 35th position. 

Confession; I'm a happy Ryan Newman fan

Ryan Newman

It is too bad Monday's long-awaited announcement by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman about where he would land in the 2014 season was clouded by controversy stemming from this year's final regular season race at Richmond. Newman's state of mind was evident following that race. Just by the look on his face, the way he walked, his entire demeanor was near despondency.

But, what a difference a day makes.

By Monday afternoon, everything had changed. Newman was finally able to reveal that he had been crafting a deal with Richard Childress to drive the #31 Caterpillar car. Just a week earlier, Jeff Burton said he would not be back to Richard Childress Racing, fueling speculation that Newman would take over the ride. Finally, the speculation ended. Newman and Childress made the official announcement.

The news was met with measured enthusiasm, as a pall still hung over the fact that Newman would not compete for a championship after putting forth a monumental effort over several weeks. But then he received a phone call from NASCAR. He learned the sanctioning body was taking action against Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR), the race team that systematically manipulated the results of Saturday's race, stealing a likely win from Newman. It changed everything. Once again, Newman was able to contend for a championship.

Newman's fans were with him, every step of the way. 

There is no doubt what a stressful situation this was for Newman. He admitted as much, stating that losing the coveted spot in the chase was the hardest thing he has endured in his 30 years of racing.

I can only speak for myself when I say my thoughts and feelings mirrored his. For eight years I have watched every race, read every article, and even written a few of my own. I am a devoted Ryan Newman fan.

It was certainly hard to watch what occurred Saturday night, as Ryan's racing future hung in the balance only to be upended by the near fatal kick-in-the-gut conclusion that voided his extraordinary effort.

It wasn't just that race that was affected by the events at Richmond, but as Newman eluded to in interviews following the race, the entire 26 weeks was influenced. There were ups and downs each week, culminating with the news in July that Newman would lose his ride at Stewart-Haas Racing. He turned that around by sheer determination to win the race at Indianapolis.

The tough times are those when we hold our breath because we hear there is a caution and we don't see the #39. When we finally breathe again, we see the #39 limping toward pit road and we hear Matt Borland say over the radio, "bring it to the garage." All hopes are dashed.

These drivers are skilled, but they must dance with Lady Luck. The intense feelings that endure week in, week out on the roller coaster ride that is racing is also an endurance of good luck and bad. During the entire regular racing season, Ryan Newman lived it all, but as a Newman fan, we live it too.

Being a fan is a funny thing. It is almost like when a child has an imaginary friend. It is totally one-sided. Ryan Newman doesn't know who I am, yet, I feel as if I know him well. He is as familiar to me as anyone. If he came to my front door, I'd recognize him instantly, and would feel comfortable inviting him in for a Coke. We'd have no problem finding things to talk about. I love many of the same things he does. All the public information that has been available about Newman, his family, the things he enjoys, it is all out there for public consumption, which adds up to the feeling that I have know him for years. I genuinely like what I've read.

Ryan's racing prowess is laudable, but is enhanced by the other things he and his wife Krissie are all about. These are good, nurturing people with two beautiful daughters to teach about the good work they do with the Ryan Newman Foundation, their love of animals, their conservation work, and their newest project, Rescue Ranch.

I like that Ryan built a log cabin home, restores old barns, and loves the classic cars. He remembers his roots, often talking about happy times fishing with his grandfather or race-related activities he's shared with his dad. I almost felt like part of the family when Greg Newman worked as Ryan's spotter. His voice became so familiar that I can even recognize when he helps out with spotting at huge tracks like Daytona or Talladega. Greg's voice is so familiar. Who can forget hearing him on the radio when Ryan won the Daytona 500. I cry just thinking about what a beautiful moment that was. I would never be a fan if I didn't admire the person.

I'm so happy things have worked out for Ryan. He deserves it. Now, he can end this season on a high note as he contends for the championship. Now, next year holds great promise as well.

Keeping it light; Ryan Newman and the chase bubble

I am about to go crazy, wondering where my favorite NASCAR driver Ryan Newman will end up next year. We know he will leave Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of 2013. We also know he is working on a deal for next year. 

I suspect he will drive for Richard Childress Racing, as I said in a recent in a CHonTrack post, (see below).

But for now, there is an emphasis on tomorrow night's race at Richmond. Ryan Newman is on the bubble. That is, he is 14th in points, ever so close to the cutoff for the Chase for the Sprint Club Championship. Since he won a race at Indianapolis earlier this year, he remains in one of two wildcard places in the chase. So for weeks we have heard about Ryan Newman being on the Chase bubble. 

Every time I think of Ryan Newman chasing the bubble, this is the picture in my mind.

Ryan Newman chases bubble

Ryan Newman still chases bubble

Just for clarification purposes, I have been a Ryan Newman fan since 2005. My husband and I took in a stray cat--Timi--in 2007. Unbeknownst to us, she was pregnant. When she gave birth to five kittens, that summer, we named them Ryan, Kenny, Kasey, Junior, and Rusty. Ryan was the first born. Rusty was the runt of the litter, born last. She was the prettiest, a calico like her mother. Sadly, she only lived 11 days. We had no idea they would all turn out to be females. Incidentally, the girls and their mother have all spayed. I couldn't part with any of them, so they are our family now and bring us great joy.

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Fun with Ryan Newman rumors

Rumors are flying about where NASCAR driver Ryan Newman will drive next year.

Newman learned in July that he would no longer be driving for Stewart-Haas Racing when this year concludes. He has been working toward a deal for next year, but the results are not yet known.

The speculation is running rampant, so let me add my two-cents worth.

According to the latest news and information, Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 car, has announced he will no longer drive for Richard Childress Racing, (RCR). His car was sponsored by Caterpillar, which has allegedly said they will stay with RCR. The nickname for Caterpillar is CAT. Rumors have been swirling about Newman driving for RCR next year.

My cat, above, is named Ryan Newman. I have three others named for NASCAR drivers, but that is another story for another day. You have to see where I'm going here...

So, according to my deduction, Ryan Newman will drive the Cat car in 2014. Oh yeah! I'd be good with that!