Newman has gained fifth most points in last 10 Pocono races

Ryan Newman is 80/1 to win at Pocono Raceway on Sunday.

This Week’s Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Chevrolet SS at Pocono Raceway … Ryan Newman will pilot car No. 507 in the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. This car competed earlier this season at Auto Club Speedway as a No. 27 entry. Driver Paul Menard started 13th and finished 15th.

Newman at the Tricky Triangle … Newman will make his 526th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start when the Series returns to the 2.5-mile raceway this weekend. In 28 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Pocono, Newman drove to victory lane in the second summer event of 2003. The “Rocket Man” also owns two pole awards. In total, he’s recorded nine top-five and 14 top-10 finishes. He has led 184 laps in competition. The South Bend, Ind., native has an average start of 10.9 and average finish of 12.8. In the last 10 races at the Pennsylvania track, the Richard Childress Racing driver ranks fifth in most points earned.

Welcome Aboard … RCR welcomes Kalahari Resorts & Conventions to the No. 31 family of primary partners for this weekend’s Pocono 400. Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Sandusky, Ohio, and the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, deliver a “world-away” waterpark resort and conference experience beyond expectations. The authentically African-themed Kalahari Resorts, privately owned by the Nelson family, are home to America’s largest indoor waterparks. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guestrooms, full-service Spa Kalahari, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants, unique retail shops, and a state-of-the-art conference center. Kalahari Resorts and Convention Centers frequently receive awards and accolades for our guest and convention services. Recent recognition includes: Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 World’s Coolest Indoor Waterparks, 2015 Reader’s Choice USA Today’s 10 Best Indoor Waterparks,TripAdvisors’ 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Silver Star recognition for Best Family-Friendly Meeting Hotel and Resort in Smart Meeting’s 2014 Smart Stars Awards, Clean the World’s Top 50 Hot Properties in 2013, January 2015 OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award for Double Cut Grill’s signature dining experience for the second consecutive year, the Daily Herald’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Indoor Waterpark, selection as one of the nation’s Top Family Resorts by Family Fun magazine for 2013, being named the Best Conference Center in the state by the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association, and selection as the Corporate Meeting Destination of the Year by Cleveland Business Connects magazine. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427) or visit: KalahariResorts.com. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts, members of the media are encouraged to visit KalahariMedia.com.

RYAN NEWMAN QUOTES:

What is the key to Pocono Raceway?
“It’s just really about getting a good balance in all three corners of the track. Another key is getting off the corners. It’s probably more important than getting into the corner because the straightaways are so long. There is more to be gained distance wise on the straightaway but just having a good balance and getting your shifting points right is also important in managing all three corners.”

What’s the hardest part of the track to figure out?
“It all depends. A lot of times it is the tunnel bump. Sometimes it could be just getting loose into Turn 1. It all depends on how your car is handling. I’ve had cars there that are still fast, but a handful to drive. You want it to be good and relaxed because you have long straightaways but it is a very demanding track. You think with the long straightaways you would be relaxed at the end of the race, but it’s actually one of the most physically demanding places to drive.”

Which turn is the most important one to get right?
“Turn 3 is the most important because of the front straightaway being the longest. There is more to gain and lose there. Turn 3 exit is super important.”

What are the starts and restarts like at Pocono Raceway?
“We can go five wide on the front straightaway on the restart but we do not go five wide into Turn 1. It just never works. Three wide is usually a question mark and two wide is sometimes a challenge in itself. There is a lot of give and take that has to be done in order to make a restart not trigger another restart, if you know what I mean.”

- Richard Childress Racing