Newman talks about 2014; Kurt Busch joining SHR

Ryan Newman said he found out about Stewart-Haas Racing's expansion to four teams like most people — first rumors and non-sourced reports on the Internet that were ultimately confirmed by Tuesday's formal announcement. But Newman, who was informed last month his contract won't be renewed by SHR for 2014, said Thursday he was mostly amused at this week's turn of events, particularly at the way it was handled with the team internally.

"It was humorous,'' Newman told NASCAR.com about the announcement. "To me it was more funny, than any kind of frustration from my end. In the end, it won't affect me. Obviously, it frees up a situation for 2014 but in the end it doesn't affect me.''

Newman said he wasn't privy to any discussion about the expansion beforehand. "If they didn't tell (Tony) Stewart why would they tell me,'' he joked. With Busch's impending move from the Furniture Row Racing's #78 Chevy to SHR and media reports pointing to Kyle Larson being named to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's #42 Chevy on Friday, the 2014 driver lineups are taking shape. Newman said things are also coming together for his ride in 2014 and expects to announce his plans soon. "I don't know the when, how or what or where or anything else, but I feel confident (the announcement will take in next few weeks),'' he said. NASCAR.com