Starting seventh in his 20th Daytona 500, Ryan Newman in the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. (HHP/Harold Hinson Photo)
Starting seventh in his 20th Daytona 500, 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman in the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. (HHP/Harold Hinson Photo)

Newman Returns To Cup Series To Race Limited Schedule

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Ryan Newman, 18-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner, has joined Rick Ware Racing for select races this season.

Recently named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, Newman will make his first start with the team at Darlington Raceway on May 12.

To date, Newman has made 725 Cup starts — earning 18 victories, 51 poles, 117 top-five and 268 top-10 finishes.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Rick Ware Racing and Ford,” Newman said. “I think this will be good for all of us with our combined experience and knowledge. Being part of the Throwback Weekend at one of my favorite tracks in Darlington is pretty special. After recently being named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, it carries even some significance.”

Team owner Rick Ware recognized Newman’s talents early on.

“I remember watching ‘Thursday Night Thunder’ on ESPN and seeing Ryan compete against some stout competition in those days,” said Ware. “I became a fan then and when he first came to NASCAR, I knew he was going to be a great driver and win a lot of races. He brings great depth and insight to RWR while we continue to grow our team.

“Ryan’s been a great ambassador for our sport and Ford. We’re really looking forward to racing with him this season.”

In 26 starts at Darlington, Newman has recorded seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes, with an average finishing position of 12.3 during his career.

Newman’s last NASCAR Cup Series ride was with RFK Racing, which was known as Roush Fenway Racing at the time. After the 2021 season, Brad Keselowski became an owner partner in the rebadged RFK Racing operation, also taking over the No. 6 Newman had driven for three seasons.

Rick Ware Racing currently has a technical alliance with RFK Racing.