Driving for a new team in 2009, Ryan Newman is thrilled about the potential that Stewart-Haas Racing brings him. However, Newman would still like to keep a little of what he had at Penske Racing.

With a new owner, car, sponsor, crew chief, manufacturer and engine, Newman is confident that the newly formed team has what it takes to be successful in the series.

"From a personnel standpoint I feel we have everything we need to win," stated Newman. "Even though it's a new situation here with a new team and new owner I feel we will be competitive right out of the box. So many of these people have been through this type of situation that they're fully capable of hitting the ground running."

Looking to be the first back-to-back Daytona 500 winner since Sterling Marlin achieved it in 1994 and 1995.

“It’s an honor to race in the Daytona 500,” noted Newman. “My father (Greg Newman) and I would always watch the race on television, and starting in 1992 we attended the event in person.

“Last year's final lap was emotional," Newman reminisced. "My father, who is my spotter, was tearing up and kept on saying, ‘Go boy, Go boy’. When I crossed the finish line there was no doubt that I knew the significance of what the Daytona 500 victory meant.”

Inheriting the 30th place 2008 owner points from the No. 66, Newman will be locked in the Daytona 500.

With the U.S. Army providing Newman's sponsorship, Newman is thrilled to represent those that fight to keep this country free.

"Having the United States Army as a primary sponsor brings a large domestic and international fan base," Newman said. "It's pretty humbling to know that our Army Chevy Impala SS will be representing more than one million Soldiers. When you think about one million Soldiers who are fighting for freedom in a time of crisis, it kind of puts it all in perspective. What I am doing is relatively easy in the grand scheme of things."