Team: Penske Racing
Car/sponsor/make: No. 12 ALLTEL Ford
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| | Newman |
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STATS
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Year
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Rank
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Wins
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Poles
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Top-5s
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Best finish
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2001
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39
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0
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1
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2
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2nd, Kansas
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Career
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0
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1
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2
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2nd, Kansas
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2001 recap
The good: The 24-year-old Newman showed without a doubt he's ready for Winston Cup based upon the seven races he ran in 2001. He qualified in the top-5 in three of those events, including earning the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May, and had two top-5 finishes, as well (fifth at Michigan in June and runner-up in Kansas in September). Newman also competed in 17 Busch Series races in 2001, finishing 28th with one victory (at Michigan) and one other top-5 finish, along with six other top-10 finishes.
Season highlight: As excited as Newman was to finish fifth at Michigan in June, he was literally bouncing off the walls following his runner-up finish in the inaugural race in Kansas in September. On the Busch side, Newman dominated other drivers when it came to qualifying. Even though he only competed in 15 events, he won the pole a series-high six times, qualified second four times, and also had a third-, fourth-, and fifth-place start. In fact, he only had two starts out of the top-5 in Busch competition (15th and 39th).
The bad: Although you can't judge a driver on seven races, particularly a young, aspiring driver like Newman, he did have a problem finishing races strong. In fact, he finished four of his seven starts 31st or worse (31st, 33rd, 40th and 43rd).
Season lowlight: Newman recorded his first career pole, starting the season's longest race -- the Coca-Cola 600 -- at the front of the pack. Unfortunately, Newman lasted just 11 of the 400 laps before he was knocked out by a crash.
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| Ryan Newman claimed the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 in only his third career Winston Cup start. |
Key stat: While better finishes will come with time, Newman showed last season he has the ability to be an outstanding qualifier in 2002. In his seven starts in 2001, Newman had exceptional success on longer tracks, with three top-5 starts (first at Charlotte in May, fourth there in October and fifth at Indianapolis). He also started 12th at Michigan in June (a race he finished fifth) and 17th at Kansas (where he finished second). And then there were the aforementioned six Busch poles.
2002 outlook
What needs to be done: The biggest thing Newman has to do is to be calm and not try to conquer the world immediately. This year will likely be a learning one for him, but with eight Cup races (including one start in 2000) already under his belt, he knows what to expect. As long as he can stay out of trouble on the track, allow other veterans to pass if they have a good run and doesn't develop a cocky attitude, Newman will be fine. Driving for Roger Penske, Newman has one of the top team owners in motorsports, with enough monetary means and patience to develop Newman into an outstanding driver, as well as a veteran teammate like Rusty Wallace to give him plenty of pointers.
Prediction: Even before the new season starts, Newman already is the odds-on favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2002. He'll have some tough competition, including Jimmie Johnson, but coming into the season, Newman seems to be the man to beat. While it's doubtful Newman will finish as high as Kevin Harvick, last season's top rookie, it would not be a surprise to see Newman finish in the top-15 in the standings.
Your take
How good will Newman be in 2002? What does the future hold for this young star? Check out your thoughts.
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