rpm.espn.com: Ryan Newman

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Wednesday, January 22
Updated: January 27, 3:08 PM ET

Ryan Newman
By Rupen Fofaria
ESPN.com

Team: Penske Racing South
Car/sponsor/make: No. 12 Alltel Dodge

Ryan Newman
Newman

STATS

Year
Rank
Wins
Top 5
Top 10
Best finish

2002 6 1 14 22 1st, Loudon, N.H.

Career 1 16 24 1st

2002 recap
The good: Ryan Newman didn't win three races or become the first rookie in modern-era history to lead the points race. And yet, it was he -- not Jimmie Johnson -- who won the Rookie of the Year award. Newman established himself as a knowledgeable, talented youngster who seems poised for great things.

Season highlight: More so than his lone victory, which came under a yellow flag, or Newman's season-high sixth pole at Phoenix in November, Newman's victory in The Winston all-star race at Charlotte was the highlight. He remained composed as Dale Earnhardt Jr. screamed around the final turns right behind him trying to rattle him.

The bad: If not for a handful of wrecks, mechanical problems and a couple of plain bad runs, Newman's season would have been the stuff of champions. Other than that, there really was no bad.

Season lowlight: Finishing last at Talladega, Ala.

Newman
Ryan Newman will switch from Ford to Dodge in 2003.

Key stat: 23. That's the number of races Newman led in 2002.

2003 outlook
What needs to be done: Newman needs to do more of the same from last season, that's all. The switch from Ford to Dodge might make for a bit of a transition. But provided he adjusts relatively quickly, Newman will be just fine.

Prediction: Newman isn't the typical rookie who should worry about a sophomore slump. He's cool and calculating, and should be a title contender.

Your take
Here are your thoughts on Newman's prospects for 2003. Will he struggle with a slump or celebrate a championship?

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