Ryan Newman Pikes Peak Review

Fountain, CO - Ryan Newman came across the stripe first and took his 5th USAC MCI WorldCom Midget Car Series victory of the year Sunday at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Newman battled with Midget points leader Jason Leffler the entire race and emerged victorious.

Newman qualified with the quick time on Saturday, almost two tenths quicker than 2nd and 3 tenths faster than 3rd. "Getting quick time was a good start to the weekend. That showed we were on top of the game," Newman stated.

During the 25-lap feature event, Newman and Leffler would swap the lead several times. After a caution on lap 22, Newman was again passed for the lead. On the white flag lap, Newman made one last ditch effort in turn one to get around and succeeded in taking the lead. Heading into turn three of the same lap, Leffler was able to pass Newman, but lost control coming out of four. Newman and Leffler would drag race to the checkered flag with Newman crossing first, three feet ahead. Newman admitted, "This is great! I had a bad tire vibration during the race. If not for the vibration, I'm sure we could've pulled away."

The victory earned Newman the Wynn's Challenge bonus for the second week in a row. This week's bonus was worth $1,000. "This is our second race with this motor. It's two for two. I'm really happy with Brayton Engines!"

With this win, Newman maintains 2nd in the USAC MCI WorldCom Midget Series with 276 points, 71 points behind Leffler. Newman presently leads the USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Series standings, 32 points ahead of the nearest competitor.

Newman's victory can be seen on ESPN2 Saturday night (September 4th). Ryan Newman takes to the track this Wednesday at the Terre Haute Action Track in his USAC MCI WorldCom Midget Car. This race is televised LIVE on ESPN2 AT 8 P.M. EST. Newman also races Labor Day in the USAC Coors Light Silver Bullet Series at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.