FORT WORTH, Tex. - Although he hasn't competed in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race since Richmond last year, Ryan Newman says he wants to run more in the series.
Even though the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series run different cars, Newman, like other drivers, would like to use the series to learn more for Sunday.
"The seat time, no matter what car you’re driving at a certain race track, is very important," Newman said.
Newman said there's two things drivers can learn from running the Nationwide race.
"Race tracks change, characteristics change, Newman said. "For instance, two years ago, they took the bump out of 1 and 2 (Texas). In the Nationwide Series, you get the opportunity to feel that first then you know how to predict things.
"The combination of the tires - typically the tires are identical, so you have an idea of the tire falloff and what the tires are going to feel like. So there are huge advantages seat time wise, not just pure racing in getting more experience in being a better race car driver."
Newman's Nationwide record speaks for itself.
Only running part-time in four seasons since 2001, Newman has a stellar record that includes seven wins and 22 top 10s in 38 starts.
In 2006 and 2007, Newman made a majority of his starts behind the wheel of the No. 12 - the same number he runs in the Cup Series.
Currently Sam Hornish Jr. has been running the No. 12 in the Nationwide Series in his attempt to gain more experience in NASCAR competition.
If Newman were to return to the series in the future, and Hornish would stay in a car, Roger Penske would look to possibly bring back the No. 39 or the No. 02.
"We are working on it and he (Roger) knows that and we have a couple potential things in the works," Newman said. "But we are a sixth of the way through the season now so it's a little different and difficult. It makes it more when you can prepare properly from the begining of the season. I wish we could and would and should of done, but I understand his position and the team’s position.”
Newman's best season in the Nationwide series came in 2006 when he raced the No. 39 to six victories, including five straight, in only nine starts. His first career series win came in 2001 behind driving the No. 02. The 02 is the first number Newman ran in NASCAR competition when he made his first Sprint Cup start in 2000.
