Flyin’ Ryan Newman is BACK.
The 18-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series will make his return to the track next weekend, May 12 at Darlington Raceway, the first of a select number of races for the fan-favorite driver who was also recently named to NASCAR’s list of the 75 greatest drivers of all time.
The race at Darlington will mark Newman’s first Cup Series start since the 2021 season finale at Phoenix. Prior to stepping away, Newman drove the #6 car for Roush Fenway Racing, but was replaced in that ride by Brad Keselowski after the former Cup Series champion bought an ownership stake in what’s now Roush Fenway Keselowski racing.
At the time, Newman left the door open to return to the sport at some point should the right opportunity come along, and it appears he feels that Darlington’s annual Throwback Weekend is the right time to get back behind the wheel:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Rick Ware Racing and Ford. I think this will be good for all of us with our combined experience and knowledge.
Being part of the Throwback Weekend at one of my favorite tracks in Darlington is pretty special. After recently being named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, it carries even some significance.”
And Rick Ware Racing, a small family-owned team that doesn’t necessarily have the funding or resources of many of the super-teams in NASCAR, is definitely looking forward to having a driver of Newman’s caliber behind the wheel:
“He brings great depth and insight to RWR while we continue to grow our team. Ryan’s been a great ambassador for our sport and Ford. We’re really looking forward to racing with him this season.”
Newman’s 18 victories over 725 starts in the Cup Series include a Daytona 500 win, and he finished a career-high second in points in 2014 while driving for Richard Childress Racing.
He also has a degree in engineering from Purdue University, and is known for being one of the most technically-minded drivers in the garage, so his expertise and experience is sure to help a team like Rick Ware Racing as soon as he gets behind the wheel.
Plus it’s just awesome to finally see the Rocket Man back on the track again.
