Newman re-signs with Richard Childress Racing for 2017 and beyond

Ryan Newman has signed a multi-year agreement with Richard Childress Racing to continue piloting the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet.

Newman, 38, is enjoying his 15th full-time season on the NASCAR Cup tour. He has 17 career wins — including the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400. Nicknamed "Rocket Man" for his qualifying prowess, Newman leads current full-time drivers in the series with 51 poles. In 542 starts, Newman has posted 105 top fives and 224 top 10s.

"I am pleased to continue driving for Richard Childress Racing," said Newman. "Our goal to win a championship all but turned into a reality during our first year together. I feel like since then, we have some unfinished business to complete. I’m fortunate to have forged a great relationship with my crew chief Luke Lambert, and I very much want to not only help him reach our goal of winning a Cup championship but also getting him his first Cup victory.”

Caterpillar has been the primary sponsor for Newman’s effort since he joined RCR in 2014. In his first year with Caterpillar and RCR, Newman finished a career-high second in the Cup standings — the first year NASCAR introduced the reformulated playoff system.

Added RCR Chairman and CEO Richard Childress: “Ryan’s consistency on the track has been a benefit to our organization and this extension solidifies the future of our racing program. Ryan proved the first year he was here that we could contend for championships and with this continuation, I believe we can fulfill our commitment to winning races and a championship. Ryan has worked hard to represent many of our partners, especially the primary sponsors Caterpillar, Grainger and WIX Filters, helping them to get the most out of their respective racing programs.”

Newman, who is currently 18th in the standings, finished fourth at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday.