Ryan Newman fulfilled the childhood dream of so many who grew up in Indiana - winning at storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newman, from South Bend, ended a 49-race losing streak with Sunday's victory at the Brickyard, and he did it by beating Jimmie Johnson.
Again.
Newman set a NASCAR track record in knocking Johnson off the pole in qualifying, then used a fast final pit stop Sunday to snatch the win from the four-time Indianapolis winner.
The two were the class of the field - they combined to lead 118 of the 160 laps - but it was Johnson who dominated the race and appeared to be just a bit better. But Johnson pitted from the lead with 27 laps remaining and it was a slow final stop for the Hendrick Motorsports crew.
Newman pitted after that and took only two tires to move into the lead after the green-flag stops cycled through the field. The closest Johnson would get to him again was when he paid a congratulatory visit to Newman in Victory Lane.
Newman was remarkably composed as he took the checkered flag and in Victory Lane.
''I don't realize it yet. It's a dream come true,'' he said. ''It can't hit you all at once, it's not good enough. It will take a week or so for it to sink in.''
The victory comes as Newman is looking for a job.
Stewart-Haas Racing has signed Kevin Harvick to join the team next season, and team co-owner Tony Stewart informed Newman two weeks ago he won't be brought back in 2014. It didn't change the post-race mood, as Stewart hustled to Victory Lane, lifted Newman from behind and the two shared a long embrace.
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Newman, from South Bend, ended a 49-race losing streak with Sunday's victory at the Brickyard, and he did it by beating Jimmie Johnson.
Again.
Newman set a NASCAR track record in knocking Johnson off the pole in qualifying, then used a fast final pit stop Sunday to snatch the win from the four-time Indianapolis winner.
The two were the class of the field - they combined to lead 118 of the 160 laps - but it was Johnson who dominated the race and appeared to be just a bit better. But Johnson pitted from the lead with 27 laps remaining and it was a slow final stop for the Hendrick Motorsports crew.
Newman pitted after that and took only two tires to move into the lead after the green-flag stops cycled through the field. The closest Johnson would get to him again was when he paid a congratulatory visit to Newman in Victory Lane.
Newman was remarkably composed as he took the checkered flag and in Victory Lane.
''I don't realize it yet. It's a dream come true,'' he said. ''It can't hit you all at once, it's not good enough. It will take a week or so for it to sink in.''
The victory comes as Newman is looking for a job.
Stewart-Haas Racing has signed Kevin Harvick to join the team next season, and team co-owner Tony Stewart informed Newman two weeks ago he won't be brought back in 2014. It didn't change the post-race mood, as Stewart hustled to Victory Lane, lifted Newman from behind and the two shared a long embrace.
Go Check out all of our social media
– You can now follow me (Andy) on my Twitter account is at https://twitter.com/AR_Official_94
_ You can like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AR_Official/244148072390274
- The Best Pro Wrestling, MMA & Sports Talk- Live Radio Show
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