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I don't believe Newman is on "probation".
He finished 14th in the points last year and 10th the year before. Tony only finished in 9th place last year - that's not that big of a difference. Newman only got a one year contract because of the loss of U.S. Army sponsorship (dictated by some goofy congresswoman).
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In an interview I heard Ryan say as much, if he didn't perform he would be looking for a new ride. He also said it was his own fault he was in that situation. If the driver said this in a televised interview then it must be so, it came right from the horses mouth and is not conjecture on my part.
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Is Tony going to fire Danica if she finishes in 30th place this year? Based on what you're saying he will. I don't believe he's going to fire her for that - as long as Go Daddy gives him another $20 mil next year (or something like that).
Tony didn't have to find a sponsor for Danica - she brought a sponsor to Tony. That's a totally different situation than Newman.
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I did say, if she didn't improve within 3 years and doesn't make a chase she wouldn't be driving for Stewart Haas. I never mentioned anything about this year having to look for a new ride.
Newman is a formidable driver and has paid his dues and is expected to perform well, unlike Wanica which is in her rookie year, apples and oranges. Yes she brought a huge sponsor to the table, she is still going to be held to a reasonable expectation within her contract. Believe me, Stewart is not wanting to be associated with mediocre drivers that don't perform.
Danny Lasoski, Paul Mc Mahan, JJ Yeley, are all good drivers and have won their share of races in the open wheeled dirt cars, all drove for Tony and were let go for not performing to his expectations. I don't believe he has a certain number each year in his head, he is however not going to foot the bill for a top notch car that isn't returning any winnings forever. When it gets to a certain point that he determines in his own mind, your out.