Penske Racing and Ryan Newman to Part Ways at End of 2008
Penske Racing And Ryan Newman To Part Ways At End Of 2008
July 14, 2008
PENSKE RACING AND RYAN NEWMAN TO PART WAYS AT THE END OF THE 2008 SEASON
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 14, 2008) – Penske Racing and Ryan Newman have mutually agreed to move in new directions at the conclusion of the 2008 season.
“We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years,” said team owner Roger Penske. “We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we’ll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season.”
Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger, is currently in his ninth season competing for Penske Racing. He is ranked 16th in the Cup Series standings through 19 races this season.
“I appreciate Penske Racing and all they have done for me, but more importantly, I appreciate their friendship and what they have done for my career," said Ryan Newman. "I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Alltel, who have supported me."
The driver of the Penske Racing No. 12 Alltel car for the 2009 NASCAR Cup season will be announced in the near future.
STATEMENT FROM ALLTEL WIRELESS:
“From the early days in the ARCA series to our team celebration in Victory Lane at this year’s Daytona 500, Alltel Wireless has enjoyed a memorable, eight-year relationship with Ryan Newman,” said Jeff Fox, chief operating officer, Alltel Wireless. “Ryan has been an outstanding representative on- and off-the track, and we’re very proud of the results the partnership has delivered to our brand. We remain committed to our sponsorship of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge and look forward to having Ryan behind the wheel for the rest of the 2008 season. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”
So it is official! Ryan Newman will be with another team next year.
This can only be good for Ryan who can finally put frustrations behind him as he moves forward into next season.
I hope it is with Stewart-Haas Racing as has been rumored. But there is one sad note. How bittersweet that there will be no more Alltel Dodge. What a good-looking race car!
I only hope that whatever team Ryan joins, his new sponsors will be as fan-friendly as Alltel has been. From the racing podcast that has allowed fans to really get to know Ryan, his family, and the #12 team, to the promotional items and giveaways by the company, and even the tour of the show car that allowed those of us who are far from racetracks to see and touch Ryan's racecar, Alltel has been a good sponsor.
Best of luck to Ryan Newman for the remainder of the 2008 season and all the best in 2009. Let's make it a championship year.
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