Ryan Newman to run select Cup races for Rick Ware Racing

Ryan Newman, recently named to NASCAR’s list of the sport’s 75 Greatest Drivers, will return to run select Cup races for Rick Ware Racing this season, the team announced Friday.

Newman’s first start is scheduled to be May 12 at Darlington Raceway. The team did not state what other races Newman would drive this season.

Newman, 45, last ran a Cup race in 2021. He has 18 career wins in 725 series starts. Among is victories is the 2008 Daytona 500.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Rick Ware Racing and Ford,” Newman said in a statement from the team. “I think this will be good for all of us with our combined experience and knowledge.

“Being part of the Throwback Weekend at one of my favorite tracks in Darlington is pretty special. After recently being named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, it carries even some significance.”

Car owner Rick Ware said in a statement from the team: “He brings great depth and insight to RWR while we continue to grow our team. Ryan’s been a great ambassador for our sport and Ford. We’re really looking forward to racing with him this season.”

Martin Truex Jr. put Toyota in Victory Lane on Monday at Dover Motor Speedway, and Toyota could be favored to score two in a row Sunday at Kansas Speedway.

Toyota has won five of the past seven races at Kansas. Chevrolet and Ford have only one win each over that period.

Truex has the longest active streak of top 10-finishes — seven — at Kansas. No other driver has a streak longer than three.

START: The command to start engines will be given at 3:02 p.m. … The green flag is scheduled to wave at 3:13 p.m.

PRERACE: Cup garage opens at noon. … Driver intros are at 2:30 p.m. … Bryan Mann, senior chaplain of AdventHealth SOP and Ottawa, will give