Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
After weeks of speculation, Ryan Newman’s racing future became a whole lot clearer on Monday.
The 38-year-old South Bend,Indiana native has signed a multi year contract extension to remain behind the wheel of Richard Childress Racing’s No.31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS.
“Ryan’s consistency on the track has been a benefit to our organization and this extension solidifies the future of our racing program,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. “Ryan proved the first year he was here that we could contend for championships and with this continuation, I believe we can fulfill our commitment to winning races and a championship. Ryan has worked hard to represent many of our partners, especially the primary sponsors Caterpillar, Grainger and WIX Filters, helping them to get the most out of their respective racing programs.”
Newman’s tenure at RCR has seen two chase berths to go along with 11 top-five, 39 top-10, and 65 top-15 finishes in 102 starts. Newman came up one spot short of an elusive Sprint Cup Series championship, finishing second to Kevin Harvick at Homestead in 2014.
“I am pleased to continue driving for Richard Childress Racing,” said Newman. “Our goal to win a championship all but turned into a reality during our first year together. I feel like since then, we have some unfinished business to complete. I’m fortunate to have forged a great relationship with my crew chief Luke Lambert, and I very much want to not only help him reach our goal of winning a Cup championship but also getting him his first Cup victory.”
Newman has 17 career Cup Series wins including the Daytona 500 in 2008 and the Brickyard 400 in 2013.
