Ryan Newman/Infineon Advance
Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge, will make his fifth NASCAR Cup Series start at Infineon Raceway on Sunday and his 168th in the NASCAR Cup Series.
While Newman has never started a race in Sonoma from the top-10, he has only one finish outside of the top-10. In four races, Newman has qualified in the top-15 twice and his lowest starting position has been 22nd in 2004. His average starting position at Infineon is 15.75.
The lowest Newman has finished at Sonoma has been 14th in 2004. He has one top-five, which was a fifth-place finish in 2003, and three top-10s, including two ninth-place runs. Newman's average finish at the 1.99-mile Northern California road course is 9.25.
In four races, Newman has yet to lead a lap. However, he has completed 100 percent of the laps possible at Sonoma - 440 of 440.
Matt Borland, crew chief of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge, and the Alltel team will take chassis PRS-74 to this weekend's Dodge/Save Mart 350. Although this chassis has not been on a track this season, it was tested at Carolina Motorsports Park and Infineon Raceway in 2005. Newman also ran this car at Sonoma and Watkins Glen last year.
At Infineon, the car started 11th and finished ninth, while at Watkins Glen, Newman started seventh based on owners' points after qualifying was rained out and finished 30th due to transmission and brake problems.
Quotes:
Newman on Infineon Raceway: "Track position and pit strategy are very important at any road-course race. At Sonoma, there are really only two places to pass, so you've got to be ready to make your move or be able to keep someone else from passing you."
"The thing with Sonoma is that you can go the entire race on only two pit stops, so we'll have to figure out the best way to use pit strategy to either get our car to the front or keep our car in the front."
"In the past, I've done well at this track, so our goal for this weekend will be to keep finishing well, as we've done before, stay out of trouble and hopefully, gain some points and positions in the drivers' standings."
Quick Stats:
Infineon Raceway: 4
Races Led/Laps Led: 0/0
Best Starting Position: 11 (June 2005)
Best Finishing Position: 5 (June 2003)
June 2005 Start: 11
May 2005 Finish: 9
