Newman to leave Penske team

UPDATE A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, Well, you called that one correct (below)! Newman on the pole, and 5 Dodges in the top 10 including the fastest three cars. Not only is it amazing how Newman suddenly regains his qualifying form right when it appears he wants out of Penske, it's also amazing how these two top tier Dodge teams have suddenly improved their form. Penske and Evernham have looked lost all season yet suddenly, right after Chrysler is dumped by Daimler and their participation in the "sport" becomes tenuous at best, these two Dodge teams suddenly jump to the top of the field. What isn't amazing is that the political manipulation by NASCAR is so transparent. It's a farce. Mika Malehorn, Annandale, Virginia

05/17/07 It might be difficult to see a ride better than with Roger Penske, one of the most famous names in racing. But Ryan Newman’s name is suddenly out in the rumor mill. It’s been a while since Newman, a Purdue grad, was making headlines. Newman’s last tour win was back in late summer of 2005, although he comes to Charlotte with three straight top-10 finishes, at Talladega, Richmond and Darlington, perhaps heralding a turnaround. And he did win the All-Star race back in 2002. So Newman will be one of drivers under the gun here the next two weeks, before the stock-car tour heads out across the country. Winston-Salem Journal

If the pattern holds, the NASCAR Timing and Scoring Computer will soon pop up with Newman on the pole for an upcoming race.