MY OPINION POST RICHMOND THIS YEAR IN GENERAL!

Ok, so Newman's not in the Chase this year. Honestly, would he and his team have been a threat anyway? No way of knowing for sure............. Newmans several DNF'S and pit-crew and crew chief bloopers,blunders and practical jokes pretty much took him out of the Chase. What can I say.

I give Ryan lots of credit for handling his badly balanced race cars all race season as best he could as a driver. The driver can only do so much. The rest is up to his support team that includes his crew chief. Yes I know, we have discussed that over and over and over and over and over(break pause)and again......over!

Team #39 will dedicate the rest of this racing season in experimentation with different set ups I would imagine? Unless they are oddly content...............

Team #39 can play the spoiler by snagging some race wins from here on out. I can dream can't I...

I will support Tony Stewart in his quest for his 4TH Championship title the rest of this racing season!

This time of year I'm blown out with sports. My Cincinnati Reds are in first place. My Cincinnati Bengals play their season opener tonight! So, even though Ryan will not be able to compete for his first Sprint Cup Series Championship this year. Life will go on............

Nice to see that Life Goes On for Mr. Grubb...

Good job Darrien (sp).

Wanted to see Ryan and Kyle in over Gordon and Kanne,now HMS has all his teams in!

Wanted to see Ryan and Kyle in over Gordon and Kanne,now HMS has all his teams in!

I would love to of seen Ryan in there obviously but not sure his team would of been much of a threat? Most of the media would agree with me on that as I have heard. You never know but my opinion is based on what I have seen since 2009. I think that's a very realistic way to look at it.

I'm a 100% Ryan Newman fan but will cheer on Tony Stewart in support of the S/H family!

I've been closely following Ryan pretty much since 02-03 and have experienced many rants, discussions, etc. on various message boards over the years regarding his team. For me these types of questions all started after the 2005 season, since then I can't say things have ever been 'right' or what we all thought how things would turn out.

At some point I stopped blaming everything on the crew chief or team, I did blame Penske and still do for what happened to that team during the 06-08 seasons which were terrible, sticking with Dodge and both a chassis/engine package that fell way behind. I wished for more in 2009 after Ryan moved and seeing Tony log a few wins. But probably sometime during the 2010 season I finally realized, that a lot of the struggles are on Ryan himself, his driving style, his attitude, aggressiveness, and the overall state of Nascar today and fellow competitors.

Those first few years I have to say, Ryan and the 12 team looked every bit the equal, if not better, than the 48 team with Jimmie. Somehow it all dropped off. Ryan is still great, but during all the years of dealing with bad cars and stress the chase brought along (he seemed to become a points racer at some point), he just stopped being that guy to force his car up front and stay there.

His style when he was winning was qualifying well and staying in the top 5, and putting himself in position with 2-tire stop or stretching fuel. Now, he is unable to qualify that well, and when he does, he can't keep his car up front. His 2011 NH win was probably the first time since his win there in 2005 that he qualified and stayed up front the whole race. I just don't know, but unfortunately I don't think he has that extreme handle on this car or current rules package like some of the top guys do now like Hamlin, Tony, JJ. When he reports that his car is good, he's still fighting to stay in top 10 half the time.

But, it's not all doom and gloom. At Richmond many struggled but Ryan finished 8th and I think the car was genuinely decent. He's great at logging top 10s, and seems to save his car or able to position himself at the end of races for a good finish. Just hate how he rides in 15th-25th so often. So honestly not sure if a new CC is going to change this?

I've been closely following Ryan pretty much since 02-03 and have experienced many rants, discussions, etc. on various message boards over the years regarding his team.

Thanks for posting 8Ballin! Hidden Hollow on here is also from Florida.........

I too have been a dedicated Ryan Newman fan since 2002. Went to all the Fan Appreciation Days from 2002-2005 met Ryan and Krissie and most of his family and was a regular poster on his site for many years. His official site became over run by some very hateful people so I left in 2009. Been trying to make this site my home. There are some pretty good folks on here I have to admit!

I know exactly what your saying about Ryan's many team dramas and all the Penske turmoil. Newman has never experienced racing consistency since he came into stock car racing. Penske took care of Rusty and Ryan was sort of an after thought. But, against all odds, Newman's 2003 season was the most fun us fans have had and since sadly.....that was 9 years ago!

You bring a new perspective in looking at Ryan. We often look at our sports heroes as if they can never do wrong when in fact they just may be?

You often hear how difficult it is to get around Ryan during a race and maybe other drivers just simply figure they have to spin the guy out to get around him? Who knows really?

I have said many times. There is so much we DON'T know about our Nascar drivers because like a great magician, he never reveals his secrets. All their commentary is mostly politically correct because they have to appease their owners and sponsors and most of all..... NASCAR!

I still feel he needs a more creative Crew Chief to better balance his cars for the long runs. But it all means nothing if Newman is points racing. I figure he needs to bring out that old dirt racer and deal with so many bad race car balances! What do I know, I'm just a fan after all.

^ thanks for the welcome and comments, I joined a while back to this site but haven't posted all that often. I guess since Ryan didn't make the chase it feels like the season is over and is quite sad now, time for the discussions to start again as to what needs changed.

I should clarify that I agree with a CC change, I'm just not sure a new person will bring much greater results. Gibson just seems limited in what he knows to do, and I'm not sure he commands the respect in the organization to get anything done. And if you've tried something for 4 years with mediocre results, you've got to try something different. I guess they've had enough success, like an NBA or NFL team that is over .500 or sneaks into the playoffs every year, but never does anything, so firing the coach isn't necessarily justified - but if Tony can get rid of Grubb with much better results over those 3 years, than how does Gibson stay.

During those 06-08 Penske years, I was blaming Penske, because we saw Kurt Busch get in that 2 car and struggle big time as well. He was able to manhandle that plow truck to a several wins during those years though, but overall they ran about the same, so it looked fairly clear that the Penske Dodge was just bad. However since joining SHR, what makes it hard for me is seeing how Tony can run at times compared to Ryan, like winning 5 in the chase last year. Ryan has mentioned on many weekends he is using the same setup, or at least the same baseline off the truck. If he's starting with Tony's setup you can't really put that on Gibson as to why a car's balance may be so bad. Something isn't clicking in practice or racetime, to get the car right, I put a lot of that on Ryan. If Tony can do it, why can't he. And if Ryan's "driving style" is too much different than Tony that he can't use the same exact setup, well I'm not sure this is really an acceptable copout. If Tony can rack up 3+ wins every year with this same equipment, than I feel like Ryan has to learn how to drive that setup. As his and Gibson's personal touches just don't really work most of the time.

Or, perhaps the 39 team, Borland, Tony, etc. all need to get together and decide for Ryan to go back to his roots, and get back to really concentrating on a qualify setup like he used to. Maybe they'll find a way to get some speed back in that car. Yes, he will probably drop off in the race a lot of times. But I feel like he's got a better chance starting in top 5, getting a good pit stall, and go from there...plus we've been waiting forever for him to get his 50th. A lot of these places have really limited passing - even with Richmond, not much action, the only thing that turned that race order upside down was the pit strategy at that rain caution.

I have always wondered why Matt Borland hasn't stepped in more to help make the setup for Ryan's car better.. They where quite the team when they where together, especially qualifying....maybe it's because it is such a different car than when the two of them where together...I don't know, just a thought.......

Welcome 8 ballin, chevy39fan needs your help..... Maybe the two of you can figure this out.

I'm not trying to sound like I'm coming down on Ryan so much though - probably just can't compare him to Tony Stewart, perhaps the greatest driver of this generation. But Tony has proved that SHR has the tools and equipment to achieve big.

I think Ryan's right there talent-wise with guys like Kenseth or Harvick, and he's more well rounded and better at technical tracks than guys like Kahne or Biffle. These guys though seem to be able to push through and go after a win a lot more often than Ryan though, I don't know why that is.

So many factors go into it, is nearly impossible for a fan to figure out. I never would have thought Jr. would run this well again like he has this year, so maybe a crew chief can do something. But I think a lot of it just comes down to driver mentality. Something tells me Ryan isn't driven to win as much and is satisfied if he's running well or in contention. He's just a guy that doesn't need to be in the limelight, he's happy with his family, his home, and doing some fishing or working on his old cars. Honestly I can't blame him, he proved what he can do in Nascar.

Hopefully 2013 isn't Ryan's last season in a legit car, hopefully some sponsor can be found. But I feel like he's the type that will retire early, I don't see him like Biffle or Kenseth in this regard, Ryan may be retired as a full-time Cup driver by age 40, and he'll be fine with it.

I have always wondered why Matt Borland hasn't stepped in more to help make the setup for Ryan's car better.. They where quite the team when they where together, especially qualifying....maybe it's because it is such a different car than when the two of them where together...I don't know, just a thought.......

Welcome 8 ballin, chevy39fan needs your help..... Maybe the two of you can figure this out.

My guess Annalee that Matt won't interject is due to company positions. It would appear Matt would be doing Tony G. job so to speak? He would be sort of interfering maybe?

^ thanks for the welcome and comments, I joined a while back to this site but haven't posted all that often. I guess since Ryan didn't make the chase it feels like the season is over and is quite sad now, time for the discussions to start again as to what needs changed.

I should clarify that I agree with a CC change, I'm just not sure a new person will bring much greater results. Gibson just seems limited in what he knows to do, and I'm not sure he commands the respect in the organization to get anything done. And if you've tried something for 4 years with mediocre results, you've got to try something different. I guess they've had enough success, like an NBA or NFL team that is over .500 or sneaks into the playoffs every year, but never does anything, so firing the coach isn't necessarily justified - but if Tony can get rid of Grubb with much better results over those 3 years, than how does Gibson stay.

During those 06-08 Penske years, I was blaming Penske, because we saw Kurt Busch get in that 2 car and struggle big time as well. He was able to manhandle that plow truck to a several wins during those years though, but overall they ran about the same, so it looked fairly clear that the Penske Dodge was just bad. However since joining SHR, what makes it hard for me is seeing how Tony can run at times compared to Ryan, like winning 5 in the chase last year. Ryan has mentioned on many weekends he is using the same setup, or at least the same baseline off the truck. If he's starting with Tony's setup you can't really put that on Gibson as to why a car's balance may be so bad. Something isn't clicking in practice or race time, to get the car right, I put a lot of that on Ryan. If Tony can do it, why can't he. And if Ryan's "driving style" is too much different than Tony that he can't use the same exact setup, well I'm not sure this is really an acceptable cop out. If Tony can rack up 3+ wins every year with this same equipment, than I feel like Ryan has to learn how to drive that setup. As his and Gibson's personal touches just don't really work most of the time.

Or, perhaps the 39 team, Borland, Tony, etc. all need to get together and decide for Ryan to go back to his roots, and get back to really concentrating on a qualify setup like he used to. Maybe they'll find a way to get some speed back in that car. Yes, he will probably drop off in the race a lot of times. But I feel like he's got a better chance starting in top 5, getting a good pit stall, and go from there...plus we've been waiting forever for him to get his 50th. A lot of these places have really limited passing - even with Richmond, not much action, the only thing that turned that race order upside down was the pit strategy at that rain caution.

The wind has left my sail too as far as this years racing season due to Newman not making the Chase. On top of that, I have to work on Sundays so I have to DVR most of the races and don't get to see them till late Sunday. You kind of loose interest and the live "flow" of a race.

It gets on my nerves too seeing Stewart having so much success and there's Ryan having to do a one tire change just to get track position in desperation! You don't know who to blame, you just want results as a demanding fan. I don't begrudge Stewart either. It's Newman's job to drive the cars.

The only thing us fans have to go on is post interviews and what we see watching the race. Or what you may hear from an internet streaming Nascar show or on TV. We obviously can't call our driver up and get any answers. So, that's why you see all this drama commentary on here.

I use to be able to listen to the Nascar scanners back in the day when Greg Newman was the spotter for Ryan. That really gives you a good idea what's going on honestly.

It gives us all something to talk about I guess. Otherwise all you would hear are crickets on here.....

^ thanks for the welcome and comments, I joined a while back to this site but haven't posted all that often. I guess since Ryan didn't make the chase it feels like the season is over and is quite sad now, time for the discussions to start again as to what needs changed.

I should clarify that I agree with a CC change, I'm just not sure a new person will bring much greater results. Gibson just seems limited in what he knows to do, and I'm not sure he commands the respect in the organization to get anything done. And if you've tried something for 4 years with mediocre results, you've got to try something different. I guess they've had enough success, like an NBA or NFL team that is over .500 or sneaks into the playoffs every year, but never does anything, so firing the coach isn't necessarily justified - but if Tony can get rid of Grubb with much better results over those 3 years, than how does Gibson stay.

During those 06-08 Penske years, I was blaming Penske, because we saw Kurt Busch get in that 2 car and struggle big time as well. He was able to manhandle that plow truck to a several wins during those years though, but overall they ran about the same, so it looked fairly clear that the Penske Dodge was just bad. However since joining SHR, what makes it hard for me is seeing how Tony can run at times compared to Ryan, like winning 5 in the chase last year. Ryan has mentioned on many weekends he is using the same setup, or at least the same baseline off the truck. If he's starting with Tony's setup you can't really put that on Gibson as to why a car's balance may be so bad. Something isn't clicking in practice or race time, to get the car right, I put a lot of that on Ryan. If Tony can do it, why can't he. And if Ryan's "driving style" is too much different than Tony that he can't use the same exact setup, well I'm not sure this is really an acceptable cop out. If Tony can rack up 3+ wins every year with this same equipment, than I feel like Ryan has to learn how to drive that setup. As his and Gibson's personal touches just don't really work most of the time.

Or, perhaps the 39 team, Borland, Tony, etc. all need to get together and decide for Ryan to go back to his roots, and get back to really concentrating on a qualify setup like he used to. Maybe they'll find a way to get some speed back in that car. Yes, he will probably drop off in the race a lot of times. But I feel like he's got a better chance starting in top 5, getting a good pit stall, and go from there...plus we've been waiting forever for him to get his 50th. A lot of these places have really limited passing - even with Richmond, not much action, the only thing that turned that race order upside down was the pit strategy at that rain caution.

The wind has left my sail too as far as this years racing season due to Newman not making the Chase. On top of that, I have to work on Sundays so I have to DVR most of the races and don't get to see them till late Sunday. You kind of loose interest and the live "flow" of a race.

It gets on my nerves too seeing Stewart having so much success and there's Ryan having to do a one tire change just to get track position in desperation! You don't know who to blame, you just want results as a demanding fan. I don't begrudge Stewart either. It's Newman's job to drive the cars.

The only thing us fans have to go on is post interviews and what we see watching the race. Or what you may hear from an internet streaming Nascar show or on TV. We obviously can't call our driver up and get any answers. So, that's why you see all this drama commentary on here.

I use to be able to listen to the Nascar scanners back in the day when Greg Newman was the spotter for Ryan. That really gives you a good idea what's going on honestly.

It gives us all something to talk about I guess. Otherwise all you would hear are crickets on here.....

I know who to blame! It is as plain as day.

i can think f a few to blame for lack of leadership... at least at penske ryan always had don miller....

ok, #39 needs change.. Driver change, or crew chief or both change.. I hope they fired Gibson..

driver change? you're probably kidding, but I saw this argument come up on other boards this year. Honestly there wasn't a better available driver other than Kenseth than Newman, and Ryan still deserves credit for being part of the championship puzzle last year for Stewart.

Going back to the crew chief, I think it's the same sort of deal. Who would they get in there? It'd have to be a younger, more unproven type of guy, as I think part of the reason Gibson is still there is that he's cheap for his experience level. Stewart isn't going to break the bank or be able to convince a big name to come over to an unsponsored team with no certain future after 2013.

But, Stewart should be looking into anyone, why can't they find a guy like Paul Wolfe (Keselowski's CC). We need a guy who isn't afraid to make a call or pit strategy move unlike the same predictable follow-the-leader stuff or occasional 2-tire change.