Ryan Newman Memphis Review

Memphis, TN - Ryan Newman entered Sunday's race at Memphis Motorsports Park with the anticipation of claiming his first national championship. Needing only to finish 25th or better, Newman completed the race in 8th place, securing the points title and becoming the 1999 USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Silver Crown Series Champion.

Newman's run in the race was also of worthy of honors. Although disappointed with his finish, Ryan was overjoyed with the overall accomplishment. "I thought we would've had a faster car. I think we had a top-5 car. We started 17th, but just ran out of time to move up any farther. The track didn't seem real conducive to passing, so it was hard for me to get a handle on the car, " Newman said.

Newman quickly moved up from his 17th starting spot. By the time the first caution flew on lap 4, Ryan had already moved up three positions. At the halfway point, Newman had settled into 9th place and would be able to move up one notch when the leader of the race fell out with engine failure. Newman would ride the rest of the race out as his brakes were starting to fade, finishing in 8th place, more than enough the claim the title.

"I'm speechless. I'm sure this will all sink in tomorrow. I just want to thank the Ede family, my family, Dan Drinan, my car builder, Hoosier Tires, and Bob Andrews for his great motors. I accomplished my goal of claiming this championship, and I hope this leads to bigger and better things," said Newman full of emotion.

Newman followed, "We, as a team, didn't achieve one major goal though. We weren't able to capture the car owner's championship. I hate we weren't able to accomplish that, but we still had an awesome year." Newman wrapped up the season with two wins, eight top-5's, as well as two poles.

Although Newman's Silver Crown days of racing are over for this year, Ryan will race this weekend at Irwindale Speedway in the USAC MCI WorldCom Midget Series. Newman picks up his trophy as the champion of the USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Silver Crown Series on January 7, 2000 at the USAC banquet.