Call it NewmanWay! South Bend honors NASCAR's Racin' Ryan Save Email Print
Posted: 6:48 PM Jul 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:09 PM Jul 16, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
25 comments
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Just call it NewmanWay!

St. Joseph County dedicated the strip of Lincolnway West past the Airport in honor of South Bend native and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman.

Newman was a part of the ceremony in South Bend on Wednesday, where Mayor Steve Luecke unveiled that all S.B. entrance signs will now display Newman's name and his Daytona 500 win.

Racin’ Ryan won NASCAR’s biggest event back in February. He calls it a tremendous honor that his name will now be shown throughout the city.

He joked that "NewmanWay" should have its speed limit raised to honor his fast driving. He said maybe it can go from 45 mph to 54 mph.

The South Bend LaSalle grad mentioned how he may have driven a little faster on that strip of road back when he was a teenager and was late getting to school.

Newman said he would have suggested changing the speed limit of the roundabout at the airport to 12 MPH in honor of his car number, but that would make little sense now that he will be changing cars and numbers next year.

Ryan announced on Monday he was leaving Penske Racing. He said Wednesday that the goals between him and Penske no longer matched up and it was time to move on.

He said he has two very strong options and two additional options beyond that but hasn’t made a decision yet.

"I have kidded everyone when I say it, but I don't have a 50/50 or a phone a friend," Newman explained.

"I have four choices and I hope I pick the best one."

Newman is not sure how long it will take for the final decision to be made.

"It will be a couple of weeks," he said. "I feel very confident that I will have a good ride. I just don't know if it's a ride I have to grow with and start out as a team or a defined winning team."

Newman has been heavily rumored to be joining Tony Stewart at the new Stewart Haas Racing as part of an all Hoosier team. That is likely who he was referring to in the team he would have to grow with.

As for the defined winning team, both Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress Racing fit that description.

Wednesday's dedication was the bright spot in an otherwise very tough day for Newman.

Earlier in the morning, he was a pallbearer for one of his closest friends' funerals. Bill Passwater, who graduated from LaSalle with Ryan and worked with Newman at Penske Racing, died last week at the age of 33.

Newman wore a special decal on his car to honor his fallen friend during last Saturday's race at Chicagoland.

Newman has this weekend off before competing in the All-State 400 at the Brickyard next week.

Wednesday's ceremony was kicked off with a very humorous moment as Mayor Luecke accidentally referred to Ryan as Randy twice before being corrected. Luecke realized he was thinking of the singer rather than the South Bend own racing son.
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Posted by: frog Location: Plymouth on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Agrees with ME, yes, he is hot. Too bad he found Christy. As to all these folks who went to school with him and the way he was then..it's called growing up and becoming more mature and moving on...he is where he is. You are still here, and obviously bitter about the whole thing. He made it to NASCAR which is a remarkable achievement. Not everyone can do that. And there is also David Stremme who has mad it, too. We need to be proud of these guys, and have them representing the area, not knocking them for what they did or may not have done when they were in high school.
Posted by: Julie Location: Pittsburgh, PA on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Jerry sounds like maybe Ryan snubbed him once in high school. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. It's not just about how much money Ryan has spent out of his own pocket. His foundation has made MILLIONS of dollars for various charities using auctions/raffles, autograph signings, book revenues, fishing outings, races and other venues and events. It's sad to see someone so bitter. The main reason why Ryan doesn't make it home as much is because when you are a Nascar driver, you are working from February to November and everything is based in North Carolina. There aren't many drivers who don't live in NC. I don't understand what Jerry thinks Ryan owes South Bend??
Posted by: Alicia Location: Midland, MI on Jul 18, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I can't believe what I just read! It sounds like some folks down there don't appreciate it when someone actually does something with their life. Just be proud Ryan grew up there and like most celebs., have to leave 'your hometown' if you are going to make it. Sur wish he grew up here in MI! :)
Posted by: Parent on Jul 18, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Great job to honor him, horrible and embarrasing for the Mayor to call him Randy!!!! What a joke, maybe he could have called him Col Klink after his great trip to Germany
Posted by: Heather Location: SB on Jul 17, 2008 at 03:40 PM
To anon/Jerry Stauffer. So because Ryan has only given less than $10,000 to the homeless shelter Tony Stewart is better than him. You cited Tony giving 3.4 million to various causes. But you failed to mention the Ryan Newman Foundation which is very involved with ANIMALS!!! How much has his foundation raised for various causes every year? And another thing you didn't mention was Tony's earnings are more than Ryan's (ie he's more marketable, better known, 2 championships...etc etc) The fact is just because he is from this rat's hole called South Bend doesn't mean he should donate money to any charity here. It's his money and he can donate as he see's fit. And as for not coming back here in 2 1/2 years....I don't blame him! He probably doesn't want to get shot! Personally you sound like a woman scorned to me. ;)
Posted by: anon Location: MIshawaka on Jul 17, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Ryan Newman has given less than $10,000 to the homeless shelter. He does however let them use his name and he does some comercials for them. That is a fact TAMMY. I volenteer over 500 hours a year at both the homeless shelter and the humane society, what do you do for the community?? Look at the other drivers, Tony Stewart has averaged $3.4 million dollars a year to various causes, Kyle Petty, Victory Junction Gang Camp. I am not saying I wouldn't love to drive a race car, I think he could do more than he does. C'mon how much does he represent this area? He hasn't been to South Bend for TWO and a HALF YEARS!!!! I have seen him several times since High School and he is not a good representative of this area. How many of you people really know him?? DEB, if you don't care what I think then why are you trying to debate me?? I am JERRY STAUFFER if you want to know, does that make me BRAVE deb?
Posted by: BOO on Jul 17, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Who is this guy? Never heard of him. OH..you gotta watch this to know the drivers. sheesh
Posted by: deb Location: elkhart on Jul 17, 2008 at 01:19 PM
As a fellow PU alum also born in So Bend and a Newman fan, reading the small-minded, obviously envious remarks about this makes it clear why Ryan could have left this area without looking back. But he didn't. I had the oppurtunity to be a recipient of one of his good deeds. He and his wife also do a lot work in NC with animal welfare. I think he's a good hoosier representative, a good racer, and a good human being. I'm glad for him and his success. And I sure don't care what others who only brave enough to be "anon" think.
Posted by: Ann Location: South Bend on Jul 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Jealous of Ryan...??? Don't think so. What's Ryan have that I don't? He just got lucky at Daytona... He's NOT that good..
Posted by: Dee Location: South Bend on Jul 17, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Ryan who????
Posted by: anon Location: anon on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:59 AM
he may have been nice in school but once he got into NASCAR he changed, acts like he doesn't know you now.
Posted by: Tammy Location: SB on Jul 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Good Job Ryan we are all proud of you and what you have done. As for Anon what have you done latley for your community. He does give back to this town he gives back to the homeless shelter. Look up the facts before running your mouth. Sounds like you need ot ditch this town. Good job Ryan!!
Posted by: Me on Jul 17, 2008 at 10:48 AM
He's HOT too!
Posted by: LaSalle Grad Location: South Bend on Jul 17, 2008 at 09:15 AM
It sounds like some of these comments being left on here are from some jealous people. Ryan Newman was a super nice guy in high school and deserves everything he has. Quit complaining and give Ryan the congrats he deserves!
Posted by: anon Location: Mishawaka on Jul 17, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Ryan Newman has not stepped foot in South Bend for 2 1/2 years! What has he done for South Bend? He was a prick in high school and as soon as he could ditch this town he did. Look at some of the other NASCAR drivers and how much they do for charity, what does Ryan do?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on Jul 17, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Quit complaining and just enjoy the story. Someone who does good for our community and the homeless shelter and just happens to be a Nascar star and you have to complain about taxes. Geesh. He's not my fave but he does good.
Posted by: anonymous Location: mishawaka on Jul 17, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I doubt that it cost much for this. I think it is money well spent. Honor a local grad from a school that has a blemished past. Stop always thinking so negative. This was a positive thing. As for the mayor messing his name up, it is what it is. Look at some of his people in other offices (fire dept.) he sounds real good on TV.
Posted by: M. Location: South Bend on Jul 17, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Congratulations to Ryan! It's about time we honored a home town champion like Ryan! Ryan has brought great pride not only to the folks from South Bend but to folks across the country, he should be honored! For all those who want to complain about the cost of the street sign find something else to do with you time!
Posted by: Super Dave Location: South Bend on Jul 17, 2008 at 12:51 AM
What a waste! Newman is a jerk!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 16, 2008 at 11:29 PM
We were in Boy Scouts with Bill Passwater's father, and this is such a huge loss for a very nice family.
Posted by: So. Bend Newman fan Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Sure would have been nice to see this and get to see Ryan, guess just important???? persons were only invited!!! You deserve it Ryan, congrats and good luck making the all important choice for a new team, personally I am glad you are leaving Penske, will be waiting your decision!!!
Posted by: JeffB Location: Mish on Jul 16, 2008 at 08:22 PM
How much did this cost? Yet city and county governments are talking abt tax hikes!! AND CUTS IN POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION. COME ON MAYOR McCHEESE, YOU CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. COME CLEAN WITH THE TRUTH. Oh I forgot you can't.
Posted by: kevin Location: South Bend on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:39 PM
So this is why the mayor thinks we need to raise taxes?
Posted by: County Resident Location: St Joe County on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:37 PM
First - Kudos once again to Ryan for his win. Second - How much did relettering the signs entering South Bend cost? Do the city coffers support this kind of spending? Folks should remember this and other acts when it comes time to vote. Third - How can ANYONE get Randy Newman and Ryan Newman confused? YOUR Mayor Steve-o finds a new way to amaze me every time he opens his mouth.
Posted by: NASCAR fan Location: Topeka on Jul 16, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I think that's cool to do that for Ryan! He definitely deserves to be honored like that since he won the Daytona 500 (the SuperBowl of racing)! Congrats, Ryan!
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