When the number 7NY, owned by "Bono" Manion, and driven by NASCAR Sprint Cup competitor Ryan Newman, was found to be illegal following the Whelan Modified race at New Hampshire, there was much speculation on whether the team and driver would return to race at Bristol. While the 7NY will not be among the cars attempting to qualify for this Wednseday's event, the driver will be.
Ryan Newman will attempt to defend his win of this race one year ago at the wheel of the number 77 Chevrolet owned by Marcy Putnam. The car has competed twice previously this year with Gary Putnam as it's driver. Gary Putnam was actually one of the builders of the 7NY, and is currently an employee of Earnhardt/Ganassi Racing, like Manion. Interestingly, the number 77 car reportedly runs an engine from EGR as well, the same shop that built the illegal engine at New Hampshire.
Newman is looking forward to the opportunity the UNOH Perfect Storm 150 provides him of showing he doesn't need an illegal car to win. It will surely be interesting to see how he does when not at the wheel of the 7NY.
As a note, one driver Newman will not have to beat is Ted Christopher. The third-winningest driver in Tour history has split from car owner Eddie Whelan, and as of yet has not secured a ride for the event.
From a purely NJ point of view, there will be only one driver from the Garden State attempting to make the field at Bristol, Jamie Tomaino. We at Racing Around Jersey wish you luck Jamie.
The race will air at 6pm Wednesday night on the Speed Channel
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