Race 2 Win: Budweiser Shootout

Nextel Cup Series

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Budweiser Shootout - Ryan Newman Notes

Ryan Newman/Budweiser Shootout Advance

Notes:

The 2005 Budweiser Shootout will mark Ryan Newman's fourth career start in the event, in only three full-years of Cup competition. Newman earned his first career pole position at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 2001, the year prior to his rookie season. In doing so, Newman became only the second driver in Shootout history to compete in the event during his rookie season.

Newman earned the annual Bud Pole Award in 2004 with nine poles. The award was the third consecutive for Newman. He is the first driver to accomplish this feat in 20 years.

Newman's nine poles throughout the 2004 season tied Terry Labonte for 23rd with 27 career poles on the all-time pole winners list. If Newman were to earn nine poles again in 2005, he will tie Penske Racing South teammate Rusty Wallace for 16th on the list.

Newman started and finished 16th in the 2004 Budweiser Shootout. Newman was leading with seven laps remaining, but tangled with another competitor and was not able to finish.

The 2005 Budweiser Shootout will mark Newman's first career start in the new Dodge Charger. Newman and the ALLTEL team tested the Dodge Charger at Daytona, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and California Speedway during the off-season.

The No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge team, under the leadership of crew chief Matt Borland, has two new team members entering the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. Rodney Eldridge has taken over duties as tire specialist. Mike "Skate" Riggs takes over the responsibility of front tire carrier on race day.

The drawing for the 2005 Budweiser Shootout's starting line-up will occur Thursday at the Daytona 500 Club. Newman drew the 16th starting position for the 2004 Budweiser Shootout.

The Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway will air live on FOX at 8 p.m., EST. The 70-lap event will also be broadcast on MRN Radio.

Quotes:
Newman on the Budweiser Shootout: "Every year it's nice when you get that first pole. It's rewarding enough to get the pole, but then you realize too that it locked you into the Bud Shootout. So, it's cool in two ways.

"The Shootout is great race. It's like the kick-off of the season. The race is highly competitive, and anytime we race under the lights, it seems that much more exciting. It's fun for all of us drivers because it's not a points race, it's OK to go out there and lay it all on the line. Winning is truly all that matters in the Shootout.

"The ALLTEL team and I have done a pretty good job at winning poles in the last three years, now we have to get a Bud Shootout victory to make it seem complete. We'll have another opportunity this weekend. Hopefully this time we can get to victory lane."

Stats:
Budweiser Shootout Starts: 3
2004 Season Poles: 9
Best Start: 8 (2002)
Best Finish: 4(2003)
2004 Start: 16
2004 Finish: 16

Appearances (2/10-2-16):
Budweiser Shootout Draw Party, The Daytona 500 Club, Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m., EST.
Team Caliber Autograph Session, Ryan Newman Apparel Trailer, Friday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m., EST.
Team Caliber Autograph Session, Ryan Newman Apparel Trailer, Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m., EST.
Live Performance Radio Network Interview, Volusia Mall, Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6:15 p.m., EST.

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