Sponsor issues further cloud Newman's negotiations

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Tim Parks
NASCAR Scene

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LONG POND, Pa. – Ryan Newman already has been in discussions about his future with Penske Racing, and now the issue is complicated with the uncertainty over sponsor Alltel.

Alltel and Verizon announced Thursday that Verizon has agreed to purchase Alltel, with the transaction completed by the end of the year pending approval from industry regulators. Verizon plans to drop the Alltel brand, and NASCAR officials are adamant that Verizon cannot replace Alltel on the car because Verizon was not grandfathered in when NASCAR signed Nextel as its premier series sponsor in 2003.

The only full-time sponsor Newman has known since he began stock-car racing has been Alltel, which began with him in 2000 as he made his way into full-time Cup racing in 2002.

Will the uncertainty of the sponsor impact negotiations?

“Long term, yeah, it’s going to have an influence,” Newman said on Friday after qualifying at Pocono Raceway. “I don’t know what that influence is yet. Obviously, it’s new news to everybody, including most of the people at Alltel. I’ll keep doing what I usually do and see what happens.”

Penske Racing has a long-term deal with Alltel beyond this season, and its status might not be determined until late in the season or
early next year depending on when the deal is completed and when Verizon drops the Alltel name.

Newman could sign a contract without a committed sponsor but that is rare for marquee drivers.

“I don’t know,” Newman said when asked if he would sign without a sponsor commitment. “I have no idea how long things are going to take and what the situation is going to be like.”

Newman, who won the Daytona 500 and is 14th in points, is considered one of the most highly sought free agents with 13 career wins and 43 career poles.

“I’ve been doing my talking, but I don’t have any other answers,” Newman said. “I’d tell you if I did, but I don’t.”