#12-Ryan Newman will drive a limited NASCAR Busch Series schedule this year, beginning in May at Lowe's Motor Speedway, team President Don Miller announced Tuesday. "When this opportunity presented itself, we felt we couldn't afford to turn it down," Miller said. "It will be interesting to see Ryan competing in the Busch Series again." Chief Engineer Roy McCauley will oversee the Busch Series program and serve as Newman's crew chief on that circuit. The Busch Series crew will be comprised of personnel who worked with McCauley last fall on Penske Racing South's #06 Dodge that was driven by Travis Kvapil and Chad Blount. Penske Racing South's entry in the Busch Series will carry #39, which was the number used by Newman when he raced Midgets in USAC. Sponsorship for the Dodge will be announced at a later date. In addition to the May 28 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Newman's tentative Busch schedule includes: Chicago, July 9; Watkins Glen, Aug. 13; Michigan, Aug. 20; Bristol, Aug. 26; Richmond, Sept. 9; Dover, Sept. 24; Charlotte, Oct. 14; and Texas, Nov. 5. This is Newman's first venture into the Busch Series since 2001 when he competed in 15 events. That season he won the August Michigan race, produced two top-five and seven top-10 finishes, earned six poles and started on the outside of the front row on four occasions.

(Penske Racing)

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