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Ryan Newman #12 Alltel Dodge - Penske Racing (2003)

There was something very centered about Ryan Newman when I had a chance to visit his trailer and talk to him about race related travel. The team was busy preparing for Saturday Qualifying at Michigan International Speedway, a race he would go on to win. There was no last minute rush things to do. The car was in perfect shape and gave him every chance of doing what he did best, drive to win

He was a little confused though. Although this was only his second year in top level NASCAR driving, he was used to sports TV wanting to know about lap times and rivalries on and off the track. I wanted to talk about the places that hosted races.

So where did the Indiana resident like to visit on the NASCAR schedule. "Places away from the city, with lots of backroads and stuff. I like it here in Brooklyn, and Watkins Glen, and Pocono for that matter. Places with some natural scenery." Was he a hunter or a fisher? "Nope, none of that I just enjoy taking it easy in the country side." And you could see, this was a calm soul, which was surprizing given his incredibly aggressive job description. And did he get a chance to enjoy the country side very much. "Every chance I get."

So no cities? "Well I like to go to Chicagoland Speedway and Indianapolis because they're close to home, but really give me the outdoors any time." I asked Ryan if there was one place that stood out for him. "Colorado," he said conclusively. I wondered if he meant the race tracks either the track or hill climb out at Pikes Peak or even Denver where there was a Champ Car street race. "I've been out to Pikes Peak, that was cool. But Colorado in general is great, and Vale, Vale is the place I like to vacation at."

And what does he do to chill during race weekends away from home? "Well, when we're racing Saturday nights like at Charlotte say, there isn't a lot of time to get out. But when we can, when we're racing on Sunday, I like to go out and watch local short track racing near the tracks we're at.". He was still enthusaistic about Midget racing. He'd started quarter midget racing at the tender age of 4, and in fact was a member of the Quarter Midget Hall of Fame, located in Salisbury, NC, around 40 minutes from Charlotte, where of course his team is located.

And where did he think fans would most like? Daytona, I'm sure. There's so much happening and it's the first big race of the year, so everyone's ready to party. I know I am!

What about Motorsport museums or other things of interest for race fans?
"Well, it's kind of ironic because you don't have to travel very far to get there but right across the road from the track at Talladega, Alabama there's the Motorsports Hall of Fame, which is kinda cool. They got lots of race cars in there which is great. In fact they got one of mine in there too!"

Interview Date: 081703
Interview Location Michigan International speedway
Godspeed, Cvetko Ostroznik