Tough NASCAR Season Finale for Penske Racing Trio
November 17, 2008
Newman finished the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series season 17th in the driver points standings in his final season with Penske Racing. Teammate Kurt Busch finished the season 18th while Sam Hornish Jr. capped off his rookie season 35th in the driver points standings.
"The way that we ran tonight, I guess I'm glad that the season is over. We really struggled tonight, and that's not how I wanted this last race to go," Newman said after the 400-mile race. "Despite our run tonight, I'm very, very grateful for the opportunity that Roger (Penske) has given me over the last several years. The friendships and relationships that I've made over the last several years are priceless."
Newman continued his positive sentiments. "To win the Daytona 500 for Roger is something that I'll never forget," he said. "My entire Alltel Dodge team fought every race to get the best finish that we could. I want to wish Kurt (Busch) and Sam (Hornish Jr.) and all the guys the best as I transition into a new race team."
Newman finished the year with one pole, one win, two top-five and eight top-10 finishes.
"We're relieved that the 2008 season has come to an end here tonight," said Busch, who four years ago celebrated the first series championship under the current "Chase" format. "Congratulations to Jimmie (Johnson) and Chad (Knaus) on winning the NASCAR Cup championship. They had a great year and are well-deserved champions."
Busch finished the year with one win, five top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
Hornish was unable to qualify for the final race on the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Out of 34 points events he ran during the season, he racked up three top-20 finishes and 12 top-25 finishes.
Newman, Busch and Hornish finished 18th, 19th and 38th, respectively, in the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series owner points standings