LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The latest move in silly season continued on Saturday afternoon when Ryan Newman announced following final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway that he won’t return to Richard Childress Racing in 2019.
Newman has driven the RCR No. 31 Chevrolet for the last five seasons, has 18 career victories in a full-time Cup career since 2002, but has only won once for RCR at ISM Raceway in 2017. The
40-year-old Newman finished second in the Cup standings in 2014 and made the Playoffs in three of the last five seasons.
“I want to take a moment to let everyone know that I will not return to Richard Childress Racing in 2019,” he wrote in a statement. “I have very much enjoyed driving the No. 31 car and I want to personally thank Richard Childress and everyone at RCR for the support over the past five seasons.
“We were able to put competitive cars on the race track, qualify for the playoffs on multiple occasions and make a strong run at a championship, and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish. I have nothing but respect for the organization and everyone involved, and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to drive for RCR.
“I also want to thank everyone at Chevrolet, Caterpillar, Bass Pro/ Cabela’s, Liberty National, Grainger, and Coca-Cola for their support over the last few years. They played a very large part in our success and it has been a privilege representing their brands on and off the race track.”
Newman’s plans for 2019 are not clear, but the South Bend, Ind. native said he anticipates returning to Cup full-time next year. He is a candidate to replace Trevor Bayne at Roush Fenway Racing.
“I’m not ready to announce my future plans at this time, but it is my full intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2019 and beyond,” he said. “We are currently working through the options for next season and hopefully we will be able to announce those plans in the very near future.”
Entering Sunday’s South Point 400 at Las Vegas, Newman is 17th in the Cup Series standings, having missed the Playoffs after going winless in the regular season and finishing 58 points behind Alex Bowman for the final Playoff spot.
Since 2002, Newman drove seven seasons for Team Penske winning eight races. Later, Newman joined fellow USAC standout Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing before joining the RCR ranks in 2014.
Newman’s departure from RCR means the Welcome, N.C.-team will have a new driver for their No. 31 car next season.
Xfinity Series regular Daniel Hemric who drives for RCR is a likely candidate, however, he has been rumored to talking to other teams including JTG-Daugherty Racing in Cup.
Ty Dillon, grandson of Richard Childress has a contract with RCR affiliate Germain Racing through 2020.
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