Roush Fenway Racing is due to make an announcement in a few hours at Richmond Raceway
On September 15th, Ryan Newman posted a note to twitter announcing that he would not return to Richard Childress Racing in 2019.
“I want to take a moment to let everyone know that I will not return to Richard Childress Racing in 2019. I have very much enjoyed driving the No. 31 car and I want to personally thank Richard Childress and everyone at RCR for the support over the past five seasons.”
Team owner Richard Childress told NASCAR.com, “We knew we were going to change. It’s just when we were going to announce it.”
Newman stopped short of announcing a new ride. However, he did state that options were there with a new team.
“I’m not ready to announce my future plans at this time, but it is my full intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2019 and beyond. We are currently working through the options for next season and hopefully we will be able to announce those plans in the very near future.”
That very near future announcement is expected to come at 3PM today. Roush Fenway Racing has a press conference scheduled. The rumor mill is running rampant.
However, it’s expected that announcement will place Ryan Newman in the #6 at Roush-Fenway Racing for 2019. Previously, the seat was shared by Matt Kenseth and Trevor Bayne.
Jack Roush recently announced that Trevor Bayne will be released from his duties in the #6 for 2019.
“Trevor is not going to be in the car next year,” Roush said. “Who we’re talking to and how close we are in those negotiations, I’m not inclined to say,” team owner Jack Roush told Claire B. Lang on September 12th.
“We’re making a search. We’re in negotiations with drivers right now that would drive the 6 car next year. I think the decision’s been made. I don’t want to be breaking the story here, but I think the decision’s been made.”
Matt Kenseth came back after a brief moment away from the sport. For 2018, he’s been in the part-time role of the #6.
In the beginning, Kenseth that he wouldn’t be returning if he didn’t think he or the team could win races. In 2018, Kenseth has run 10 races from behind the wheel of the #6. His best finish came at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Brickyard 400 where he finished in 12th.
“The competition side, the Ford’s are really fast this year. The engine side, with Doug [Yates] building the engines. So, you know the stuff is there. I think it’s a matter of putting it together and getting the right stuff designed,” Matt Kenseth stated back in late May.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement and the potential is there. But, it’s going to take a little more time and a little more patience than I originally thought,” Kenseth continued.
It’s still unconfirmed what the announcement will bring today. It’s likely Ryan Newman will be announced as the full-time driver of the #6. RFR is currently a two-car operation. The other #17 car is piloted by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
We’ll know at 3pm et today from Richmond Raceway. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series field will take the green flag tonight for the Federated Auto Parts 400.
Update
The move has been confirmed via the press conference. Ryan Newman will move to Roush Fenway Racing in 2018.
Ryan Newman will pilot the No. 6 Ford at Roush Fenway Racing beginning in 2019.