Does Tony Stewart ask Newman to join Haas Racing early?

Question

After all, the 66 team is in the top 35 by the skin of their teeth and the 70 team is only 500 points out. And Newman has no chance at the championship with Penske.

Stewart has his championship provisional next year that will get him in the first 5 races. But one of the cars needs to be in the top 35 this year in order to guarantee Newman a spot.

My thought - Newman leaves Penske with 10 races left and either drives the 66 to solidify that spot, or, less likely, drives the 70 car to try to get them in the top 35. After all, 500 points is not much when you're racing against the worst teams in NASCAR and there are still 12 races left.

Answer 1

he better get somebody over there

next season will be tough  

Answer 2

I'm sure that has been thought of by both drivers. But with Penske owning Newman until the end of the season, I don't think that will happen. I think it would be good for both teams. Let Ryan start getting familiar with the new team, and by then Roger will have Newmans replacement so why not get him in the car early to get a jump on next season. I really think it would be smart.

Answer 3

I would like to see this happen too, just so both can start next year focused on making strong runs. Ryan said at the press conference that he will stay with Penske and fulfill his contract until the end of the year. So I don't picture Ryan leaving before the end of the year.

Answer 4

They could ask but Penske would probably either want money to buy out the last few races of his contract or to have another driver who could step into the 12 car at the same time.  

It does Penske no good to cut back to a 2 car team for 12 weeks.  What would they do with all the sponsorship money, crew, and guys at the shop?  All of them depend on the 12 car racing.

In the past when guys left early the old team had someone ready to step into that ride at the same time.