Lead Lap's NASCAR News » Allstate 400

Newman Not Heading To JGR

Michael J Smith — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:19:32 +0000

ESPN is reporting that Ryan Newman is not heading to Joe Gibbs Racing next season to fill the No. 20 being vacated by Tony Stewart at the end of the season.

In comments before the Allstate 400 from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, JGR president J.D. Gibbs said of Newman:

Another time, another day, maybe. He’s a great individual. You would love to have him on your team. It’s just all those ducks aren’t in a row.

Newman has been most strongly associated to Stewart Haas Racing, which is where a source at Richard Childress Racing thinks he is headed.

Johnson Wins The Allstate 400

Michael J Smith — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:06:57 +0000

Jimmie Johnson held off Carl Edwards on the final shootout to win the Allstate 400 from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Because of excessive tire wear, NASCAR decided to throw competition cautions throughout the race, keeping the runs between 10 and 12 laps.

With about 10 laps to go, NASCAR threw the final competition caution setting the stage for a seven lap shootout. Johnson’s crew got him out of the pits with the lead, with Edwards on his back bumper. Johnson held off Edwards for the final seven laps.

Top 5: Johnson, Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Elliott Sadler, and Jamie McMurray.

Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, and AJ Allmendinger finished sixth through 10th, respectively.

Notables: Mark Martin (11th), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (12th), Ryan Newman (13th), David Ragan (14th), Kyle Busch (15th), Clint Bowyer (19th), Tony Stewart (23rd), Martin Truex Jr. (24th), Kevin Harvick (37th), and Matt Kenseth (38th).

Harvick got collected early, when Kurt Busch spun. He suffered damage and had to go to the garage for repairs. His 37th place finish dropped him to 13th in points, out of the Chase. Harvick’s problems were good for his Richard Childress Racing teammate, Clint Bowyer, he moved to 12th in the standings, putting him in the Chase.

Kenseth blew a tire early, which ripped the right rear quarter panel off his car. His 38th place finish dropped him to 11th in points.

Stewart, Office Depot To Haas CNC

Michael J Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:48:01 +0000

Jayski is reporting that Office Depot will be Tony Stewart’s sponsor when he buys into Haas CNC next season. He will be leaving Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 at the end of the season.

An announcement could come as early as when the series heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Allstate 400 on July. 27th.

ESPN is also covering the story.