Penske Racing drivers Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch finished 21st and 43rd, respectively, in the 2008 NASCAR Cup Series finale, Sunday’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Newman finished 2008 ranked 17th in the Cup Series driver point standings in his final season with Penske Racing. His teammate Busch, driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, finished the season 18th in points while Sam Hornish Jr., who did not qualify to compete in Sunday’s race, capped off his rookie season 35th in the driver point standings
“The way that we ran tonight, I guess I’m glad that the season is over. We really struggled tonight, and that’s not how I wanted this last race to go,” Newman, driver of the No. 12 Alltel Dodge Charger, said after the 400-mile race. “Despite our run tonight, I’m very, very grateful for the opportunity that Roger (Penske) has given me over the last several years. The friendships and relationships that I’ve made over the last several years are priceless.”
Newman continued his positive sentiments. “To win the Daytona 500 for Roger is something that I’ll never forget,” he said. “My entire Alltel Dodge team fought every race to get the best finish that we could. I want to wish Kurt (Busch) and Sam (Hornish Jr.) and all the guys the best as I transition into a new race team.”
Newman finished the year with one pole, one win, two top-five and eight top-10 finishes.
“We’re relieved that the 2008 season has come to an end here tonight,” said Busch, who four years ago celebrated the first Cup Series championship under the current “Chase” format. “Congratulations to Jimmie (Johnson) and Chad (Knaus) on winning the NASCAR Cup championship. They had a great year and are well-deserved champions.”
Busch produced one win, five top-five and 10 top-10 finishes in 2008, while Hornish, driving the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge, completed his first full season racing stock cars after earning three IndyCar Series championships.
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