It’s been two decades since Ryan Newman wasn’t caught up in competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. This newfound freedom has allowed the 18-time winner in NASCAR’s top division to tour short tracks across the country and do some grassroots racing.
On Tuesday, the 44-year-old – along with numerous other notables in the NASCAR/ARCA world – got to be a part of something that many people expected would never happen – the return of competitive racing to North Wilkesboro Speedway.
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Over the course of the 50-lap feature, Newman was able to save his tires best of anybody, making a pass on former NASCAR Truck Series driver Spencer Davis with six laps to go to capture the victory.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece was able to briefly lead the 50-lap contest, but burned his tires up too quickly, causing him to fall back to fourth place within two laps of gaining the top spot.
Newman would ultimately win the event, with Spencer Davis, Matt Hirschman, Ryan Preece, and Burt Myers completing the top five.
Joey Coulter – a former driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – would finish in 14th, with current ARCA Menards Series driver Andy Jankowiak in 15th. Bobby Labonte would finish in 17th place, with Max McLaughlin coming home 29th in the 33-car field.
Luckily for the competition, Ryan Newman won’t be returning for the second half of the Tour Type Modified double-header at North Wilkesboro Speedway, as he’ll fly out to Indianapolis for the running of the BC 39 on Wednesday and Thursday.
