NASCAR Cup Series: Ryan Newman return on the horizon?

Ryan Newman recently won his first race since his most recent Cup Series win in 2017. Following this victory, could the veteran return to NASCAR?

Ryan Newman’s last NASCAR win came in the March 2017 Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, where he drove the #31 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Since that win, Newman moved on Roush Fenway Racing to drive the #6 Ford for three seasons, only to be replaced by new driver-owner Brad Keselowski ahead of the 2022 season.

But this year, his first year with no Cup Series starts since 1999, Newman has shown that he is far from retired from racing, having gone back to his grassroots origins by competing in dirt races such as the Chili Bowl. He also competes full-time in SRX.

The South Bend, Indiana native even quietly returned to NASCAR when he competed in the Whelen Modified Series race at Richmond Raceway back in April. Though out of a full-time Cup Series ride for the first time since 2001, the 2008 Daytona 500 winner has shown that his will to compete is still there.

Newman recently scored his first checkered flag in any racing series since 2017 when he won the SRX race at Stafford Motor Speedway. He currently sits in third place in the point standings and looks to be a threat to win the series championship.

Given Newman’s recent racing resurgence, could the 44-year-old make a return to NASCAR?

Though Newman and Roush Fenway Racing parted ways, some teams reportedly did show interest in him for 2022. Rick Ware Racing team owner Rick Ware noted that he had reached out to Newman and current Truck Series driver Matt DiBenedetto to gauge their interest in driving for the team this year.

Newman recently spoke with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass and confirmed that there was some interest, and he also revealed his desire to return to NASCAR.

As Newman noted, some teams did reach out to him during the end of last year, but he didn’t get anything that was “entertaining” to him.

With the Gen 7 car serving as somewhat of an equalizer for Cup Series teams, bringing Newman back into the fold may not be out of the question. With his wish of standing in victory lane with his daughters having been fulfilled, his other wish of getting a serious Cup Series ride again could be next.