Newman continues to impress

[HardScrabble]

Nice qualifying effort for Ryan as he continues to show strong performances for the Penske group. Except for the pole qualifying doesn't pay much money and even the pole pays no points, starting position can be important at the Glen.

Very nice day for Bobby Hamilton as well.

Several drivers very disappointed in their runs including Scott Pruett, Mark Martin, Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon.

Jerry Nadeau and the GP team are struggling here, kind of a surprise after the showing at Sears Point.

Sterling and JJ go to the back due to engine changes.

Some interesting stuff to watch come Sunday.

[DE Wrangler 2]

Yes it will be interesting. Rudd is a road racer and he is finally getting a good starting position. But it's a tough road course and a relatively long race so there is plenty that could happen. I still say watch out for Jeffie........you have Tony with something to prove this week. Guess we don't have to worrry about Busch/Spencer this week though.:)

[NewmanFan]

Newman is impressing me more and more every week. And the good thing about it is, is Michigan next week---thats a good track for him to get his first win at.

[HappyHour]

Yes indeed HS, it should be pretty interesting on Sunday. I like road courses though, and have been looking forward to this race for a while now. As we have seen so far this season, qualifying doesn't always tell the tale as weather, pit strategy, and luck have played a big part as well.

On a side note, the CART race at Mid-Ohio should be pretty interesting as well judging from first day qualifying.

Looks like a great weekend for racing! :)

[Awesome_Bill]

Yeah Newman Is A good and talented rookie, and in even better equipment. He's just living up to expectations for him. Same for Jimmie Johnson.

[97forever]

The last four races have been amazing for Newman.Keep in mind,both he and Jimmie have already eclipsed J.Gordon's rookie season.Really look for Ryan to win very soon.Maybe he will follow in Bill's footsteps and win his first race on a road course.

[PenskeGirl]

Being a Penske fan in general, I of course have been paying attention to Ryan this yr and I've been very impressed!! (I have to draw the line in my Penske support when it comes to Rusty though. I can stomach him, but I'm not fond of him) I've always enjoyed seeing the underdog, which is usually the younger guys do well, and I've very much enjoyed watching Ryan and Jimmie this yr.

HH you're right on the CART race too. More times than not, it's a good race. I'm partial to it because that was my very first race and my drivers qualified and finished 1 & 2!!! Was a GREAT weekend!!!

[smack500]

he needs to step it up if he wants roty and I dont mean the trophy they give at the end of the year I see that doesnt mean squat but be the real roty in everyones eyes

[71Fan]

Ryan sure looks like the real deal to me, that's fer sure. We'll see how he settles in over the next few years.

[gordon24fan]

Ryan has been running well this season, he is the real deal. I knew that he was going to be good when he won the pole at Charlotte last year.