NASCAR Legend Ryan Newman To Race At Southern National Motorsports Park

LUCAMA – NASCAR veteran and 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman will make his first career appearance at Southern National Motorsports Park on Saturday, November 7, during the 24th Annual North-South Shootout.

Newman, 48, of South Bend, Indiana, will compete in the 125-lap Tour-Type Modified race. His daughter, Brooklyn Newman, will also be racing Saturday in the 75-lap 602 Modified feature.

The elder Newman is a former Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 winner. Since 2022, he has recorded six victories in the SMART Modified Tour, most recently winning at Dominion Raceway in September 2025.

Although Newman has never competed in the North-South Shootout, he attended last year’s event to watch his daughter race. He said he welcomes the event’s move to Southern National.

“I think it was time for a change and I’m excited to be a part of it and to bring my daughter down to race a 602,” Newman said. “It’s just another opportunity to win. That’s why we do what we do is to win.”

Newman said his years of racing experience should help him adjust to Southern National, despite never having competed at the track.

“I’ve got enough experience that I don’t think it’s an issue for me,” Newman said. “I know how to adapt once I see it and what the character is and just look forward to the opportunity.”

Rain in Friday’s forecast has prompted organizers to cancel the scheduled practice sessions and move all racing activities to Saturday.

Newman said the loss of practice time will present an additional challenge for competitors unfamiliar with the track.

“We’re going to have to have our ducks in a row, so to speak, after the rain to be fast and be competitive and have a car that’s good for the end of the race,” he said.

Saturday’s event will also provide another opportunity for Newman to race alongside his daughter, something the two have enjoyed during SMART Modified Tour events that include the Carolina Crate Modified Series.

Newman said sharing race weekends allows them to discuss track conditions, driving techniques and adjustments between races.

“So I try to teach her what I can without being too pushy but, at the same time, she’s willing to listen and we have fun doing it together,” Newman said.

Brooklyn Newman is seeking her first Modified victory. Since March 2025, she has recorded three top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes in the Carolina Crate Modified Series. Her most recent top-10 finish came at Carteret County Speedway over Labor Day weekend, where she finished seventh.

“I am excited to get one more 602 race in this year at a new track,” Brooklyn Newman said. “Especially with my dad being there racing the tour car. We have a lot of fun when we get to do that, and the North-South Shootout is a special race.”

This year marks the first time Southern National Motorsports Park has hosted the North-South Shootout. The event was previously held at Caraway Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway.

Saturday’s racing program will include Legends, Chargers, Any Cars, Vintage Modifieds and Sportsman divisions, along with the 125-lap Tour-Type Modified main event and 75-lap 602 Modified feature.

The green flag is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.