The 2025 NASCAR season is set to bring intense battles and unforgettable moments. Fans are eager to see how their favorite drivers perform, and teams are making final preparations. As new talents rise and veterans look to cement their legacies, this season promises thrilling action on legendary tracks.
The season will kick off with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. NASCAR is returning to the iconic track after 54 years. While fans are excited about the upcoming season, a NASCAR veteran is set to make his comeback on track. Veteran driver Ryan Newman is stepping back into NASCAR competition with a new flavor.
Ryan Newman is set to hit NASCAR scenes
Ryan Newman is one of the most consistent drivers in NASCAR history. With more than 20 years of experience in the Cup Series, Newman is set to make a comeback to NASCAR scenes. In a recent social media announcement, he revealed that he will wheel the No. 8 car for Eighty-Two Autosport in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Newman will hit the track on February 8 at New Smyrna Speedway for John-Michael Shenette’s squad. Sponsors like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, UNSE, Anglers Choice, Tracker Boats & ATVs, and Eighty-Two Services will support his 2025 bid. Notably, his return follows a strong finish at Martinsville last season, where he secured a top-five result.
Speaking about his comeback, Newman expressed excitement. He also recalled how the track has shaped his life. “New Smyrna is a track that introduced me to modified racing in a couple of ways. First, as a spectator sitting up in the grandstands with my dad… Then as a driver when I made my modified debut there,” he said in the statement.
Notably, New Smyrna is just a short drive from Daytona Beach, a place that has played a huge role in Newman’s career. He secured one of his biggest victories at Daytona, winning the 2008 Daytona 500. However, Daytona is also where Newman endured the most terrifying crash of his career.
In the 2020 Daytona 500, he was leading on the final lap when contact with Ryan Blaney sent his car airborne. Newman’s vehicle flipped multiple times before being struck by Corey LaJoie’s car, igniting flames. The horrifying crash left fans in shock. Though he was unconscious and rushed to the hospital, Newman made a miraculous recovery. He suffered a brain bruise but had no memory of the incident.
A year later, Newman announced his retirement from the NASCAR scene. Notably, his career spans over two decades. He made 725 Cup Series starts, winning 18 races and earning 51 pole positions. His most notable victories include the 2008 Daytona 500 and the 2013 Brickyard 400. In 2014, he came close to winning a Cup Series championship, finishing second in the standings. Though he never claimed a title, his consistent performances, and fearless driving, made him a respected figure in the sport.
Newman’s Struggles with the Next-Gen Car
Ryan Newman stepped away from full-time NASCAR racing in 2021 but remained active in motorsports. He competed in the SMART Modified Tour, where he finished third in points, and even secured a victory at New River All-American Speedway. His love for racing never faded. In 2023 he made some part-time appearances in the NASCAR Cup Series.
In his eight Cup series appearances, he didn’t have a good time. Newman’s transition to the Next-Gen car was anything but smooth, as his experiences were frustrating. Unlike the Gen-6 cars he had raced for years, the Next-Gen car presented new challenges. Newman struggled with its handling, aerodynamics, and overall balance.
After the 2023 Darlington race, he said, “Yeah, my seat was not comfortable. I had rib pain after the end of the first stage, so I was miserable in the car. I got a cramp in my foot. My ribs feel like somebody punched me.” Notably, the biggest issue with the car is its racing dynamics. The Next-Gen model relied heavily on aerodynamic grip rather than mechanical grip, which changed how drivers approached passing and cornering.
Newman wasn’t alone in his struggles. Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, faced similar difficulties after coming out of retirement in 2023. Johnson’s performances were underwhelming, failing to crack the top 25 in multiple races. This highlighted how drastically the sport had evolved, making it tougher for older drivers to adjust.
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