There are big dogs, little dogs, all types of breeds and mixes and colors and personalities and they can be comfortable and happy with a simple act of extending a friendly hand. Just ask Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 US Army / Quicken Loans Chevy with Stewart-Haas Racing…
Newman is a passionate animal advocate. His Ryan Newman Foundation is very active with conservation of natural resources and habitat as well as working with animal protection and rescue organizations. This was showcased with a recent visit to Martinsville, VA.
Of course, the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 is fast approaching at Martinsville and there were opportunities to discuss racing at the historic Speedway. He is coming off a good 4th place finish in Las Vegas. (Teammate Tony Stewart took the win) The race at Bristol is a few days away and he had the pole on the last visit there. The Martinsville race is just over two weeks away. March 30 – April 1st marks the date for race weekend and the action on the tracks so far is shaping up for NASCAR to put on a big show at Martinsville. Ticket packages with family pricing are always an option plus the Fan Zones with visits from some of the top drivers in the field. Check the Speedway website or call 877-RACE-TIX for all the details.
Newman talked about the technical aspects of driving the tight “paperclip” racetrack. Brakes are always an issue. They get overheated with no chance to cool which changes the entrance to each turn. The traffic is often tight and acceleration out of each turn is critical. The surfaces change and tire spin increases with each lap on old tires. There was discussion of his improvements on driving the track over time and expectations coming into race weekend. The topic of fuel injection was mentioned and how issues have been dealt with following teammate Tony Stewart’s issues at Phoenix on a restart. There was also talk about points and momentum coming into the Virginia short track season with Bristol as well as Martinsville.
However, topics of racing and brakes and fuel injection seemed secondary to another purpose of Newman’s visit.
The Shelley Frith Drane Adoption Center and SPCA of Martinsville have had previous contact with Newman’s Foundation about foundling and endangered dogs and other animals but have not had the opportunity to meet in person. Race weekend at the Martinsville Speedway is focused completely on the business of racing and free time is at a premium. As Bristol is on and NASCAR is back on the east coast from Las Vegas, Newman was able to take a day from driver’s responsibilities and make it happen.
The SPCA is merely minutes from the Speedway and the two organizations also have a history of cooperation so combining racing and animal friends was a good fit for Newman. The Henry County area SPCA is a “no kill” facility which simply means that animals in their care are not on any kind of deadline for adoption or to be destroyed. They work together with other foundations and facilities in many areas and transport or arrange adoptions from centers that may not have the “no kill” designation. This attracted the attention of Newman’s Foundation on a few occasions before this meeting with arrangements and assistance on a few rescue and transport opportunities.
Ryan took this time away from the wheel to visit the staff and tour the facility. There was an animal puppet show that is presented for children that started the tour. A dog, a cat a cook and a song showcasing the benefits of spaying, neutering and pet care… There was a great dane as a mascot for the facility. Pet grooming, training and pet care is available with staffing and equipment on hand. The SPCA of Martinsville is proud of their facility, the community support, and their reputation of saving and finding loving homes for animals in their care.
Of course there are animals ready for adoption. Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens in residence and waiting for families to see, adopt and be loved.
This is a centerpiece of activity for the Ryan Newman Foundation. Assisting animals that need rescue, care and adoption. On the racetrack and behind the wheel, the checkered flag is all there is. However, get Newman out of the car and he is a man with a mission to help as many animals as possible.
If you see him checking the bottom of his shoes before climbing into the #39, don’t give it a second thought.
Associated websites for more information: Martinsville Speedway: website | facebook
Ryan Newman Foundation | Stewart-Haas Racing | SPCA of Martinsville
We are all (two and four legged) honored by Ryan’s visit. Lots of people visit the SPCA, few take the time to engage with the animals like Ryan did. He and his group are fabulous people and animal lovers. Thanks to Mike Smith and Karen Parker at the Martinsville Speedway for making yesterday possible. Our staff is still grinning about the pace car ride!