Newman Will Start 17th in the Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Newman finished eighth in Thursday’s first Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying race at Daytona International Speedway. As a result of the finish, the U.S. Army driver will start 17th in Sunday’s Daytona 500.

“We were just a little off with the handling,” said Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 champion. “We have the next two days to work on the car so I am feeling good about Sunday. What excites me — as we get closer to the 500 — is the ongoing support we are receiving from our Soldiers. They are my heroes, this is their car and I want nothing more than to drive the Soldiers’ car to Victory Lane.”

Newman started the race from the outside pole and stayed in the top-10 for nearly the entire race. He was running third with seven laps remaining but slipped a few positions as the race wound down.

“Ryan drove hard — he did a great job,” said crew chief Tony Gibson. “After we make a few adjustments, this No. 39 Army car will be ready to challenge for the biggest race of year.”

The race winner in the 27-car field was Jimmie Johnson. Rounding out the top five in order were: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer and Regan Smith.

Newman’s teammate, Tony Stewart — who competed in the second 150-mile qualifying race — finished second to Kasey Kahne and will start sixth in the 500.

Sunday’s Daytona 500 will be televised on FOX, 1 p.m. ET.