The AAA 400 at Dover this Sunday will be the third race in The Chase for the 2013 Sprint Cup. For Ryan Newman, it’ll be a return to one of his favorite tracks on the circuit, but for State, it will be our first primary sponsorship of the No. 39 Chevrolet!
In honor of this extended partnership of Newman at the “Monster Mile,” we want to introduce our Driver Profile Series, “Behind the Wheel with Ryan Newman.” Every week we’ll be giving you a behind-the-scenes peek at Ryan’s life, his racing background and his current thoughts on the race ahead.
So buckle up and get ready for insider info on our favorite contender for the 2013 Sprint Cup!
Q: What are three of your race day must-haves?
A: “Water, fuel and a fast racecar!”
Q: What’s the best/worst thing to happen since you started racing professionally?
A: “I think the best thing has been having the support of my family, my dad, my mom and my sister. If it wasn’t for them and the support they’ve given me, I wouldn’t have made it. I wouldn’t be here. So, having my family, that’s made all the differences and it’s what’s given me all my other opportunities.”
Q: We know you love animals and have a philanthropy called the Rescue Ranch that promotes and provides education, adoption and low-cost spay/neuter services. What have you learned through this experience?
A: “I’ve learned so much about the spiritual connection between people and animals and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of that. Be it through donations or working together for a common goal, it’s so moving to see the emotions people carry when they talk about their animals.”
Q: With the Dover race right around the corner, what makes that track one of your favorites?
A: “I like the bankings at Dover, and the elevation changes. And because the track is concrete, it doesn’t change a lot which, for me, is good because I’ve always adapted well to racing on concrete. Once you get the car right, you can keep it right for the remainder of the race. Overall, the track is fast and demanding, but it’s fun. I’m looking forward to it!”
The AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway in Delaware starts this Sunday, Sept. 29 at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.
