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Tuesday, October 29  Rookie rumble ESPN.com One was more hyped heading into the season after scoring two top-fives in seven races in 2001, but the other quickly stole the show by winning the pole at the season-opening Daytona 500. They've both won poles and made trips to Victory Lane this season, and they both are not only competing for the Rookie of the Year crown, but also the Winston Cup championship. So which driver is better, Ryan Newman or Jimmie Johnson? Check out are our takes and responses from our users:
The answer: Ryan Newman
I personally believe Ryan Newman is the better driver. Even though Jimmie has won three races compared to Ryan's one, he still has more top-fives and top-10s compared to Johnson, showing that he's been more consistent than Johnson. Robert Staggers Seng Creek, W.V.
Ryan Newman. I haven't seen Jimmie Johnson run a USAC (and I emphasized USAC, not WoO -- no driver from WoO has been successful outside of that series, unlike USAC) midget or sprint car at Winchester Speedway, the world's fastest half mile. Tyler Allen Auburn, Ind.
Ryan Newman is doing a better job. Johnson is also very excellent but I think that the team is stronger for Johnson. Note that Newman has out-performed his very experienced teammate almost all year. On second thought, Johnson also is out-performing Gordon most of the time, but again I think the Hendrick team is stronger. Tom Walgamuth Lafayette
Equal cars, Newman wins every time! Roger Hecker Seattle, Wash.
Christy Fetterman Quinby, Va.
Ryan Newman is a better driver. He leads the rookie points and has the most top-five finishes in the series this season. Let us also remember Ryan has very limited experience in stock cars, this is really only his third year driving a full bodied stock car. Also, his five DNFs came from about four blown motors and in those races he was in the top-five when he had his problems. If one or two of those didn't happen we would be calling him the points leader right now. Nick Barese Bogota, N.J.
Ryan Newman is the better of the two. He leads all drivers in top-10s and is second in top-fives. He gets those with second-place finishes on his first road coarse with no power steering. He finishes high with poor cars, he makes them work, while Johnson is up there only when he has a superb car. When Ryan doesn't finish in the top it is because of engine problems. For this reason I believe Johnson will finish higher in the WC points because he does not have the extremely poor finishes but the Rookie of the Year takes the best 17 and that will go to Newman. Kyle Clark Albion, Ind.
Newman is better. Just look at the great save he made at The Winston and how he pushes his car. Plus, if he didn't have engine problems in three straight races early in the year, nobody would be close to him in points. James Geisler Hamilton, Ohio
Ryan Newman by a whisker. He's been a little more consistent and you can't argue with the top-five finishes (he's second only to Tony Stewart). Wait until next year though to see how good they really are. NASCAR is famous for its sophomore slumps. G.B. Crowley Burlington, Vt.
Ryan Newman. He did it without all of Gordon's championship gear. Johnson is still an excellent driver, just not a title contender without those cars. Joel Helbig Cincinnati
The answer: Jimmie Johnson
I think Jimmie is better. Although Jimmie has not been as consistent of a driver as Ryan he has stayed in the hunt for the championship. That's what the season is all about -- Winning that Winston Cup. I do believe that Ryan will definitely get his chances in the future. Ray Blangero Athens, Ga.
I think it has been harder for Johnson because of his teammate being the previous Winston Cup champion. Newman might have more natural ability and car knowledge but Johnson is right there as well. I personally would take Johnson if I was starting a new team. Stephen Hamel Haverhill, Mass.
I think that Jimmie Johnson has a slight edge over Ryan Newman. Both clearly have an enormous amount of talent, but Jimmie seems to be just a little more cool headed. Newman has a tendency to be a little impatient at times. Either way, I look forward to watching this new rivalry. Chad Lewis Springfield, Mo.
Jimmie Johnson is just a shade better than his rookie counterpart Ryan Newman. This is because of the fact that he is learning from and teammates with one of the best drivers in recent NASCAR history: Jeff Gordon. He is also far more consistent than Newman. Amar Chadaga Springfield, Ill.
Jon Hays Shelby, Mich.
Racing is about winning. Three to one in favor of Johnson. Julius Hawkins Vernon, N.J.
Johnson appears to drive very smooth, like a veteran. Newman pushes his equipment too hard. R.C. Craft Troy, N.Y.
Jimmie Johnson is my pick. This guy has ice water in his veins. He has overcome a couple of rookie mistakes (mostly pit stops) from early in the season. When he is out on the asphalt he drives with the courage and cunning of a veteran. Warren Sands San Antonio, Texas
At this point, I would consider Johnson to be the best rookie because he has the best chance of overtaking Stewart for the championship and has dominated more races than Newman. Lloyd Gray Houston, Texas
That is a very difficult question. They are both competitive, amazing young drivers, they have been given good equipment, they have strong teams and great instincts. I don't know exactly how you would chose, though I probably lean more toward Jimmy. He has handled himself very well on and off of the track, he and Chad Knaus have formed a bond very quickly and he has one of the best teammates in the business. His open mind seems to absorb information about tracks and dealing with the pressure like a sponge. They both conduct themselves well in the public eye, even through some tough situations, and seem to have humble hearts. Two of the best rookies to come along at the same time in a long time. They are both going to do some amazing things in and for NASCAR. Debbie Hamelman Beaverton, Ore.
The answer: Too close to call
I think both are equally good drivers but the reason for their success is their equipment. Johnson has the Gordon hand-me-down cars and Newman has the powerful Penske engines. Jamie McMurray put the exclamation point on this theory when he won at Charlotte. Ryan Malander Lansdale, Pa.
I'll take Jimmie as a driver and Ryan as the crew chief, and either of them as a son-in-law. Both are going to be fixtures on the NASCAR circuit for years to come and I look forward to watching them! Jo Koster Rock Hill, S.C.
Newman has more skill, Johnson more talent. No. Wait. It's the other way around. Johnson has better engines, Newman better setup. No. Wait. It's the other way around. Aw, heck. They both deserve it. Remember the All Star game? Kevin Clark Milwaukee, Wisc.
Both are outstanding talents. Newman seems to be the more aggressive seat of the pants driver while Johnson the more consistent week in and week out. In other words, I'd take Ryan to win trophy dash at my local racetrack and Johnson to win the 100 lap main. Rob Behling Wind Lake, Wisc.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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