JR Motorsports has announced that the organization will perform a race swap for the No. 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series team in two upcoming races.

Scheduled to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet at Kansas Speedway on October 3, Ryan Newman has surrendered his driving obligations to Scott Wimmer in order to race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 21. Wimmer will now drive the No. 5 JR Motorsports machine in the event at Kansas.

With the switch Newman will now be in contention for the ‘Bristol Grand Slam’. During race weekend in eastern Tennessee, four NASCAR sanctioned events will be held at the short track.

Hoping to become the first driver in history to attain such a feat, Newman will compete in the NASCAR Whelen Modified (August 19), NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (August 19), NASCAR Nationwide Series (August 21) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (August 22).

“I’m not sure how this whole deal really came together,” Newman informed. “When I was in Bristol earlier this year, we were talking about how I was running the Modified, Truck and Sprint Cup race in August; and someone said it would be really cool if I could find a car and compete in the Nationwide race, too. I thought about it, and was like ‘Yeah, that would be pretty cool.’ So, a lot of people started working on trying to get a Nationwide ride for me.

“Luckily, Scott Wimmer, Fastenal and JR Motorsports, were willing to trade races so that I could drive the No. 5 car at Bristol, and I really appreciate that. They have given me an incredible opportunity and I can’t thank them enough. Hopefully, I can get a win for them in the Nationwide race on Saturday at Bristol as a way to thank them.”

With one of his scheduled races with JR Motorsports under his belt, Newman intends on making up for his 32nd place effort at Dover with a grand slam at Bristol.

If the grand slam is successful, one lucky fan will have the chance to win the equivalent of what Newman takes home in purse money (up to $400,000) in the “Win What Ryan Wins” contest. Hardcore Race Fans may also enter in the “Rocket Ryan’s Pick ‘Em” promotion and predict Newman’s finishes at Bristol. Both contests begin on July 6, and more information can be found at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

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