It appears South Bend's Ryan Newman is no longer the hottest free agent in NASCAR.

According to ESPN, Newman has decided to join fellow Hoosier Tony Stewart at Stewart Haas-Racing.

Newman decided to leave Penske Racing earlier this month and had stated he had a number of different offers.

Newscenter 16 learned as of last week the choices were between Stewart-Haas Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing.

But Gibbs decided not to field a 4th team next season, and will put Joey Logano in the seat vacated by Stewart.

That left Newman to join Stewart.

Stewart announced last week he would drive the #14 car next season, in honor of his childhood idol, AJ Foyt. According to the ESPN report, Newman will drive the #4 car.

Newman earned the biggest victory of his career back in February when he won the Daytona 500.

But since then, he has struggled and has voiced his displeasure with Penske racing.

Newman is currently on the outside looking to make the Spring Cup Chase for the Championship.