Newman focusing on 2013; looking toward 2014

#39-Ryan Newman knows he doesn't have a contract for 2014. He wishes that wasn't the case, but he knows how to handle it. After all, it was at this time last year when he also was a free agent. He eventually signed a one-year deal to stay at Stewart-Haas Racing. "I have no extra pressure on myself to perform than at any other time in my career," Newman said. "I just don't have the things done on paperwork to say what I'm doing in 2014, which doesn't the change the way I drive this year." Like many veterans in other sports, Newman faces the prospect of getting squeezed out as teams look for younger, and possibly cheaper, options. Newman said he took a cut in salary, like many drivers have as sponsorship dollars have been tougher to find. SHR already has three drivers signed for 2014 with team owner Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and, reportedly, Kevin Harvick. Stewart hasn't ruled out going to a four-car operation in 2014, and that would leave the door open for Newman to return. "Where I end up, that's where I end up," Newman said. "If I stay, I stay. If I don't, I don't. I have to do what's best for me." He will spend this season trying to win races and hope those sponsors stick behind him so he has a place to drive in 2014.(Sporting News)(2-4-2013)

from jayski

reading between the lines. Doesnt sound like any commitment from SHR. Which is kinda how I figured it anyways after signing only a 1 year contract. Hope Ryan lands a quality ride next year.

I was just reading that on Jayski... I don't like the sound of that. We knew Ryan took a pay cut, but I'm sure cupcake isn't. But that's more up to the sponsors than anyone else. At least I would think it is...

Maybe the reason is this......The one year contract MAY very well be contingent on how DANRICK Jr does.....she no do good.....she no get extension. I gotta say....."she no do good" we'll see

my concern is MW that no matter what happens with the princess, SHR will keep her, because she can move merch.. and i cant blame him for that... i just feel ryan is on his last year, from what it sounded like if penske could have gotten the sponsorship ryan would have driven for them, but who knows, everything changes 10 times before its made official.

Hey Ladies and Germs,

If Ryan has a very good year with Matt Borland, then they might have a hard time justifying cutting him. That said I can see him ending up with another organization no matter how good a year he has. I would like to see him land with Michael Waltrip's teams, especially considering Mark Martin has to retire soon. Also the drivers with MWR had good consistant years last year. But like I have said elsewhere on this website he could end up at RCR if Havick leaves to go to SHR. I just want the very best for Ryan, whatever that turns out to be.

Reading that article... my heart breaks for Ryan. I think there is a LOT to be read between those few lines .. and it's all heart breaking.

Sometimes I feel so conflicted about Tony's management of SHR. ( Understanding of course he does not make every decision ) He and the company have risen ... but on the backs of those who contributed in the beginning and were then cut out. I saw this same example play out twice in corporate business's that were taken over and altho I understand business decisions,( how & why they're made ) they made my stomach turn, on the human side.

I want to reach out to Tony and shake him until he understands that life is not about business - business is just a part of life ... and some things like loyalty, respect, commitment & honor have more value than money.

Sorry if this post seems like I'm dogging Tony ... I'm not trying to - just expressing one personal observation. A fourth team in 2014? Altho it remains in the realm of possibility, it seems VERY unlikely. The economy is not going to turn around that fast ...and there seems to be an exodus of sponsors lately, vs more coming in. ** Another example ** alcohol & cigarette sponsors practically funded the beginning of NASCAR and were then cut out, for a "cleaner" image.

It's just that old "Thanks for all your help, but there's the door" that just sticks in my craw. If Ryan is not re-signed by SHR next year... I may have to seriously re-think my allegiance to SHR. If I can't respect them, I can't like them.

OK..........we haven't started 2013 and 2014 is what you are worried about......come on! Schmoopy you said you weren't going there.......Besides a lot can happen between now and then!

Positive side: new crew chief and pit crew......best equipment out there and they have hired a test team for the new car ...........fastest at Daytona test. Crew chief he knows and won majority of his races with....

Negative side: bad economy, needs sponsorship


The solution to all Ryan's problems.......he needs to win races! Problem solved. This is the best chance he has had in a long time........Schmoopy am I not stating the truth!?!?

As to Ryan going to RCR.........they need to change the name to RGR. Richard's Grandson's Racing! The best will go to the grandson's, that's a given. Any one knows that, it is called life.....and that
would be the worst thing that could happen to Ryan. As to the writer of the article......it is a slow news week and he knew how to ruffle up Schmoopy .......

I am not ruffled.

I said SHR doesnt have a commitment to him. Which is true. Without Sponsorship he wont have a ride. Also said I hope he finds a quality ride next year. Which I hope any season. (especially the last couple years)

None of which I said in a negative way. These are simple facts. (& hopes)

Now lets say Ryan has a bad A$S season & sponsors come a callin'
I hope he still chooses whatever he thinks is the best ride for himself, & not just sign with SHR out of loyalty. Sure any driver is sought after if he comes with Sponsorship. So if he think the SHR 4th ride is the best he can get so be it. Stay with SHR. But SHR isnt committed to him without sponsorship, so if he gets it he shouldnt automatically, be committed to SHR, but to whichever team he thinks is best for him. I wasnt being negative at all. I simply know how to read between the lines.

I am still more hopefully & excited for Ryan this season than I have for him, in a very long time. I just dont expect him to be with SHR in 2014.

There's to much money involved this year for Newman to look forward! Ryan will bare down with his new team and do his best. He benefits in all ways by doing that. He's been driving under the radar for years now but has made a lot of money. Newman is not financially hungry per say but is starving for a Championship and race wins!

Have to wait and see what happens if anything?

There's not an owner in Nascar that wouldn't have Ryan. BUT, they had better surround him with a good race team and race cars! Otherwise, you might as well forget it! His historic bad luck has been hard for him to shake off in past years!

that is one thing ryan needs to stop thinking about, loyalty does always pay the bills, and this is no guarantee, but it also on him to perform so he isnt in that situation. abut next year and lets face it, the trend is a driver bringing their own sponsor to get a ride