During August race week, NASCAR Sprint Cup star Ryan newman again will be making his mark at BMS, while also etching his name in the NASCAR record books as he makes history by competing in NASCAR’s top three divisions, as well as the Whelen Modified Series, at the same track in the same week.

Courtesy: NASCAR Media Relations

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Wednesday, July 1, 2009) – Ryan Newman put his name in the record books at Bristol Motor Speedway in March of 2003 when he set the track record during qualifying.

During August race week, the 31-year-old NASCAR Sprint Cup star again will be making his mark at BMS, while also etching his name in the NASCAR record books as he makes history by competing in NASCAR’s top three divisions, as well as the Whelen Modified Series, at the same track in the same week.

Newman will start his marathon during the wildly popular August race week at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile with the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 Whelen Modified race and the O’Reilly 200 Camping World Truck Series event Wednesday, Aug. 19. On Friday, Aug. 21 he will compete in the Food City 250 Nationwide Series event and run the final leg, the Sharpie 500 Sprint Cup Series race, Saturday, Aug. 22.

When totaled, Newman stands to make an astounding 1,100 laps, traveling more than 586 miles around the .533-mile oval over three nights and could be in the seat for more than seven hours. It will definitely be a challenge, one Newman is looking forward to meeting.

“It is going to be a challenge to compete in all four races, but I am really looking forward to it. It’s a lot of miles, a lot of laps,” said Newman. “I have done the Nationwide and Cup races on the back-to-back nights in August before, and that can be difficult. Throw in the Truck and the Modified race on Wednesday, and it’s like I am running a second Cup race there. So, I know it is not going to be easy.

“I know it’s going to be hot and sticky at Bristol. And always, Bristol is a very physically demanding track. I will have to be sure to stay hydrated and loose, and Bristol is as much a mental racetrack as a physical one. It’s going to be fun and a challenge and I’m looking forward to it. I just hope that I can put on a good show for all of my sponsors and all of the fans out there who will be supporting me.”

The fact that he will be making history by competing in all four events isn’t lost on Newman.

“It’s an honor to be the first NASCAR driver to run in all four Series in one weekend,” he said. “Being the first to do this wasn’t really my goal when I decided that I wanted to compete in all the races at Bristol, but it is pretty cool to have that recognition. For me, it’s just about racing and having a good time and hopefully having some really good finishes along the way.”

Newman began thinking about going for the Bristol grand slam back in early March.

“I’m not sure how this whole deal really came together,” he said. “When I was in Bristol earlier this year, we were talking about how I was running the Modified, Truck and Sprint Cup race in August; and someone said it would be really cool if I could find a car and compete in the Nationwide race, too. I thought about it, and was like ‘Yeah, that would be pretty cool.’ So, a lot of people started working on trying to get a Nationwide ride for me.

“Luckily, Scott Wimmer, Fastenal and JR Motorsports, were willing to trade races so that I could drive the No. 5 car at Bristol, and I really appreciate that. They have given me an incredible opportunity and I can’t thank them enough. Hopefully, I can get a win for them in the Nationwide race on Saturday at Bristol as a way to thank them.”

Newman’s success at BMS during the August race week, could also mean some big money for a lucky fan. Should Newman win all four races, one lucky fan will pocket the same amount he would win in purse money – approximately $400,000. To enter, fans should visit the BMS website at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Also, fans can enter the “Rocket Ryan’s Pick ‘Em” contest. Fans will pick where they think Newman will finish in each of the four races and prizes will be awarded for first through fourth-place finishes. Both contests will begin online Monday, July 6.

First prize is two suite seats for every NASCAR event at BMS in 2010, second prize is two grandstand tickets for every NASCAR event at BMS in 2010, plus Half-Mile Club hospitality, third place is two grandstand ticket for every NASCAR event at BMS in 2010 and fourth prize is two grandstand tickets to the weekend of your choice at BMS (March or August) in 2010.

To take part in the “Rocket Ryan’s Pick ‘Em” contest, fans can visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com. Once fans pick where they think Newman will finish in each race, they may also make a donation to the Ryan Newman Foundation/Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.

Newman will be piloting the No. 7NY Aggressive Hydraulics ride in the UNOH Perfect Storm 150, the No. 2 Pringles truck, owned by Kevin Harvick Inc. in the O’Reilly 200, the No. 5 Fastenal Nationwide car owned by JR Motorsports in the Food City 250 and the No. 39 U.S. Army/Haas Automation ride, owned by Stewart-Haas, in the Sharpie 500.

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