“I don’t need to be a crash test dummy,” Ryan Newman questions Next-Gen cars safety ahead of Cup return with RWR

Ryan Newman will run select Cup races driving the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing this season.

“I don’t need to be a crash test dummy,” Ryan Newman questions Next-Gen cars safety ahead of Cup return with RWR

Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman suffered a horrific crash in the 2020 Daytona 500. But he returned to Cup racing at the Darlington Raceway the same year. Now, the track will host Newman again, and the event will mark his first start of the season. The 1.366-mile Raceway is a historic track, and the race will be held on May 14th. “The Rocketman” drives for Rick Ware Racing in the current Cup Series car.

The upcoming race at Darlington will mark the longest speedway on which Newman competes for the team. However, the 45-year-old dislikes racing on a longer track because of safety concerns. Newman stated, “I don’t think the (Cup) car is as safe as it should be or as safe as they say it is on the big tracks.” He added that he did not want to be a “crash test dummy.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fckHB4bGdOA

Newman said, “I don’t need to be a crash test dummy. I’ve already got two bars named after me. I don’t need a third.” He does not believe the Next Gen Cup cars are safe as they should be. Newman was involved in a multi-car crash at Talladega in 2009. It resulted in a bar now known as the Newman Bar (The Newman Bar is a safety feature).

Related: ‘Rocketman’ Ryan Newman announces NASCAR return with controversial Cup team

Ryan Newman claims it is a matter of putting everything together for RWR

Ryan Newman. Image via Heavy.com.
Ryan Newman. Image via Heavy.com.

Newman agreed to compete at short tracks because of slower speeds for Rick Ware Racing. However, he must compete in Darlington’s race to be eligible for the NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway, which will be held on 22nd May. This is because of his inactivity in the Cup series since the 2021 season. Some other races on Newman’s calendar this season are Richmond, Bristol, and Martinsville. 

Newman wants to have fun racing; otherwise, he does not see the point. He also wants to re-enter the Cup series one step at a time. The Rocketman hopes to bring energy into the team and help everyone step up their game. He does not want to be the “weak link.” The 45-year-old believes his only weakness in his entry will be the unfamiliarity with the Next Gen Cup car. 

Newman has been busy racing Modifieds and working on his farm. Hence, he does not think he is out of shape. This season he is competing in 14 Modified races. Newman has not started a Cup race since the 2021 season with Roush Fenway Racing. He finished 28th in the driver’s standings. Over his Cup series career, Newman has 18 wins and 268 top-ten finishes. Recently, he was named to the NASCAR 75 Greatest Drivers list. That is yet another accomplishment. 

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