Ryan Newman comments on his racing plans
In 2000, Ryan Newman made his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Kranefuss-Penske Racing. He spent the last 22 years in the sport, collecting 18 wins along the way.
However, following the 2021 season, Newman’s contract with Roush Fenway Racing wasn’t renewed. Brad Keselowski stepped into an ownership role with the re-branded Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing and he’ll also take over the pilot seat in the No. 6 for 2022.
Related: Brad Keselowski takes stake in NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing
For 2022, the 44-year-old has no deal signed in NASCAR competition. Yet, there wasn’t a retirement tour, he intended to race this season.
While he lacks a NASCAR contract, The Rocketman will still be behind the wheel…
Ryan Newman comments on 2022 plans
“Definitely interested in continuing to race,” Ryan Newman told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“That’s why there was no retirement party. There were no retirement plans. There was no ‘Ryan’s last ride’ or anything like that because that wasn’t the intention.”
Newman’s confirmed plans include “short track grassroots racing.”
In 2019, Newman entered dirt midget racing. He made his debut in the Gateway Dirt Nationals, with zero practice laps.
Related: Ryan Newman comments on his return to dirt racing; Wants to run Chili Bowl Nationals
For 2022, he’s already competed in one dirt midget event. Newman ran the Chili Bowl Nationals over the weekend.
“The program we have here is pretty amazing,” Newman said. “It’s an honor to be promoting someone like Bryan Clauson and the legend he was and is.”
Newman’s Chili Bowl car lists ‘Cody Brommer’ on the front, an organ donor who saved five lives following his death seven years ago. Newman’s former Chili Bowl cars also feature names of other organ donors.
Newman added, “To have what we have this weekend, with Cody Brommer’s name on the car, to represent someone who’s an organ and tissue donor, somebody who saved five lives because of his life, and the difference it makes for so many other people out there.”
“We know it’s a tough task,” Newman allowed. “It’s not 30 midgets showing up for 20 spots. We’ve got I think 82 tonight. It’s no easy task to make it into the A, and obviously the big race (Saturday),” Newman said on his preliminary night.
2022 cars?
As of right now, the Chili Bowl is the only thing confirmed for 2022. But, more is on penciled down.
Fun is the objective.
“But number two, we want to win,” Newman said with the same smile.
Newman named dirt late model racing, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the USAC Silver Crown as “bucket list” races he’d like to run.
Links
Ryan Newman | Gateway Dirt Nationals | The Dome at Americas Center | Chili Bowl Nationals | NASCAR
