RYAN NEWMAN LEAVING PENSKE

Penske Racing announced that driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge, Ryan Newman will not be returning to the team after the 2008 season.

"We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years" said owner Roger Penske "We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we'll continue to focus out efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season"

No announcement has been made for a replacement in the #12 Alltel Dodge, but according to Penske Racing a driver will be named soon.

Rumors around the garage area are saying that Newman will be in a 2nd car at the newly formed Stewart/Hass Racing team. ESPN is reporting that the deal between Stewart and Newman is already done and an announcement will be made at Indianapolis in 2 weeks.

Newman has said there are 3 serious options, and that one is part ownership of a team.

It was no secret the Newman has been unhappy with the performance of his team as of late. He said the team has made some improvements, but not enough to challenge for a championship.