News

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2008) - Ryan Newman, driver of the Penske Racing No.12 Alltel Dodge Charger, will start in the 29th position on Sunday in the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series season finale Ford 400 at Homestead- Miami Speedway.

Newman, who drew the first position in qualifying, turned a quick lap of 31.900 seconds (169.279 mph) in the qualifying session. David Reutimann, driver of the No. 44 UPS Toyota, qualified on the pole with a lap time of 31.462 seconds (171.636 mph).

"I picked the worst time for my worst lap of the day," said Newman who had been second quick in the day's only practice session. "I just didn't get the car hooked up on that first lap. We had planned to scuff tires at the end of practice, but we ran out of time. That may have helped us get a better lap, but I don't know. We'll just work on the car tomorrow in our practice sessions."

Newman, who has two top-10 finishes at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is looking for his first win at the 1.5-mile oval in his final start for Penske Racing.

"I definitely have mixed emotions this weekend," Newman said after qualifying. "It's been a great run at Penske, and I am grateful for all that we have accomplished, the friends, just the experience. I would like to go out on a high note this weekend."

The Ford 400 will air live on ABC and on MRN radio on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, beginning at 3 p.m. ET.

DRIVER: Ryan Newman
STARTING POSITION: 29th

POLE: David Reutimann

PENSKE RACING TEAMMATES
38. Kurt Busch
DNQ. Sam Hornish Jr.