Newman focusing on 2013; looking toward 2014

Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman knows he doesn't have a contract for 2014. He wishes that wasn't the case, but he knows how to handle it. After all, it was at this time last year when he also was a free agent. He eventually signed a one-year deal to stay at Stewart-Haas Racing. "I have no extra pressure on myself to perform than at any other time in my career," Newman said. "I just don't have the things done on paperwork to say what I'm doing in 2014, which doesn't the change the way I drive this year."

Like many veterans in other sports, Newman faces the prospect of getting squeezed out as teams look for younger, and possibly cheaper, options. Newman said he took a cut in salary, like many drivers have as sponsorship dollars have been tougher to find. SHR already has three drivers signed for 2014 with team owner Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and, reportedly, Kevin Harvick. Stewart hasn't ruled out going to a four-car operation in 2014, and that would leave the door open for Newman to return.

"Where I end up, that's where I end up," Newman said. "If I stay, I stay. If I don't, I don't. I have to do what's best for me." He will spend this season trying to win races and hope those sponsors stick behind him so he has a place to drive in 2014. Sporting News