Ryan Newman Hopes Atlanta Run is as Hot as the Weather

Statesville, NC – Atlanta Motor Speedway has always been a favorite for Ryan Newman, who returns to the 1.54-mile track this weekend to race both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series events. Once again, the Indiana native anticipates a satisfying finish for the No. 1 Chevy in the Great Clips 300 race.

“Atlanta is a spectacular track to race at and it’s a place I’ve always been fond of going back to,” said Newman. “I am looking forward to racing under the lights. I’m glad to have the chance to come back and race for James (Finch) and the crew. I’ve only got a handful of racing left with him this year, so racking up some good finishes is important for me.”

With just two series starts, Newman hopes for a reason to celebrate and is leaning on his Cup resume, which boasts 7 poles and a number of Top 5 and Top 10 finishes to carry over to Saturday night’s event.

“I feel exceptionally comfortable in a car at Atlanta and I think it shows – at least when I’m in a Cup car,” said Newman, who has a Sprint Cup average finish of 17th. “I’ve only ran two Nationwide races here. I had great starting spots, but both were DNF’s, so obviously, I am looking to have a better day than that.

“The Nationwide cars are lighter, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you see the pole won by a guy who ran wide open around the track. We should also see a lot of guys running wide open during the race – especially those on new tires. Atlanta is a fun, fast track and one you can run the bottom, middle and high grooves. If can get off Turn 4, with its banking without any trouble, then you should good. I’m ready for a good race.”

Newman will be turning extra laps as he enters the Labor Day weekend festivities. Atlanta is Headquarters to CoCa-Cola, so he and other drivers in the Coke Racing Family will be giving ride-alongs on Friday to guests.

“This is my first year as a Coke driver and think giving rides will be a lot of fun,” Newman noted. “I drive a race car for a living, so seeing the look on other peoples face while they are strapped in is always interesting. Sometimes I hear a squeal, but for the most part you don’t hear anything until they get out of the car and they are grinning from ear to ear. It’s a good time and the least I can do for my sponsor.”

For more information on Ryan Newman and the Ryan Newman Foundation, visit www.ryannewman.org or www.ryannewmanfoundation.org.

About the Ryan Newman Foundation:
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie, established the Ryan Newman Foundation in January 2005. The mission of the foundation is to educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers. The Ryan Newman Foundation is proud to be part of the NASCAR Foundation’s family of charities.?