Newman: No agreement to drive for Stewart-Haas yet

Amidst all the speculation surrounding Ryan Newman's future, the driver and even his wife maintain no official deal has been signed to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing next season.

Despite several online reports that the driver of the No. 12 Penske Dodge verbally agreed to join Stewart-Haas in 2009, Newman issued a statement Friday saying, "I am still working on my 2009 plans at this time. I have no timetable on finalizing anything at this point."

Also, a blog posted this week from wife Krissie Newman said, "Don't get too excited just yet."

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A deal is not done until it is inked so for us to say we're about there means we are not there. I can tell you we are working on them.
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JOE CUSTERShe continues to report, "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet! There have been some recent articles posted that reporters have put out that sound factual. However, Ryan has not verbally agreed to anything and is still working on his 2009 and future plans. It is funny how much speculation has been going on about Ryan's future. Everyone will know when the deal is signed. ... Sorry to disappoint, just don't want anyone to jump to conclusions."

"Stewart-Haas Racing has had, and will continue to have, lots of talks with lots of drivers," said Mike Arning, spokesman for Stewart-Haas Racing. "To say that any type of agreement, verbal or otherwise, has been reached with any particular driver is premature."

A source close to Penske Racing said "a verbal agreement in this sport doesn't mean anything."

Signs indicate that Stewart-Haas is a strong possibility for Newman. Team co-owner Tony Stewart is friends with Newman away from the track, and both drivers are from Indiana.

Last week in Indianapolis, Newman said his decision had been narrowed to one team, keeping in mind Joe Gibbs Racing president J.D. Gibbs confirmed that Newman was not a candidate because the organization could not get sponsorship for both Newman and a fourth team.

If Newman does land at Stewart-Haas, he would likely drive the No. 4 car; Stewart will be in the No. 14. One thing seems certain, and that is the No. 4 seat is open.

Scott Riggs, driver of the No. 66 for Haas CNC Racing which will become the No. 4 Stewart-Haas car next year, is already talking with others about his future. "I'm 99.99999 percent sure I won't be here next year," Riggs said Friday.

Joe Custer, the team's general manager, said, "no one is out," but expect a decision on the driver lineup next week.

"We're wide open on it," he said. "A deal is not done until it is inked so for us to say we're about there means we are not there. I can tell you we are working on them."

Nevertheless, Newman said he doesn't have anything on paper.

"I've got my search pretty narrowed down I just don't have everything finalized," he said last week.

Newman said there is no time frame for his decision, but admits time is of the essence and said the sooner he can work out an agreement the better in order to prepare for the 2009 season-opener in Daytona.

Newman has been contemplating his future since it was announced in July he will part ways with Penske Racing at season's end.