- (Sports Network) - Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday that the U.S. Army will serve as primary sponsor of Ryan Newman's No.39 Chevrolet team in 22 points-paying NASCAR (web|news) Sprint Cup Series races during the 2009 season, along with the Sprint All-Star Race next May at the Lowe's Motor Speedway. The U.S. Army will also serve as an associate sponsor of Newman's team for the remaining 14 races of the season. "I am extremely honored for the opportunity to drive the No.39 U.S. Army Chevrolet and proud to represent the men and women who serve and protect our country," Newman said. "The dedication, teamwork and passion of the soldiers who defend our country is inspiring, and it will drive myself and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing to become one of the elite teams in the garage."

Newman has won 13 career Sprint Cup races, including this year's Daytona 500. He is leaving Penske Racing at the end of the season to team up with Tony Stewart, who will drive the No.14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet next year. Stewart will also co-own the No.14 and No.39 teams.

"There is no group of people more dedicated to service and committed to excellence than the men and women of our armed forces," Stewart said. "We take great pride that the U.S. Army has chosen Stewart-Haas Racing as the team to lead its NASCAR effort."

The U.S. Army currently sponsors the No.8 Chevrolet with drivers Mark Martin and Aric Almirola, but is ending its contract agreement with Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of this year.

Announcements of additional sponsorship as well as a crew chief named for Newman's new team next season are expected with the next few weeks.



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