Ryan Newman Set for Return to Little 500
Anderson, Indiana (March 25, 2026) —Veteran standout Ryan Newman will once again tackle one of pavement racing’s toughest challenges, as he officially enters the Unified Group Services Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group. He brings with him one of the most accomplished resumes in American motorsports.
A native of South Bend, Indiana, Newman rose through the ranks with a reputation for engineering precision and raw speed. A Purdue University engineering graduate, he quickly made a name for himself in NASCAR. Over the course of his career, Newman has recorded 18 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with more than 50 pole positions, consistently competing at the highest level of stock car racing for over two decades.
His biggest triumph came in 2008 with a victory in the Daytona 500, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Newman also contended for a championship in 2014, finishing second in the final standings, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s toughest and most consistent competitors.
Despite his success on NASCAR’s biggest stages, Newman has never strayed far from his Midwestern roots or his passion for short track racing. That passion continues to bring him back to the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. A race known for its 500-lap grind, live pit stops, and unmatched intensity in pavement sprint car competition.
Newman will make his fourth career start in the Little 500, having previously competed in 2022, 2024, and 2025. His best performance came in 2024, when he raced to a strong sixth-place finish against a deep and competitive field. Each appearance has added to his experience in the unique event, as he continues to pursue a breakthrough run in the historic race.
Little 500 legend and nine-time winner, Eric Gordon, will once again lead the charge for Ryan Newman. Gordon, who has been a cornerstone of the team, keeps the car in Indiana and meticulously fine-tunes it for every race. His expertise and experience at the Little 500 make him an invaluable asset as Newman aims to add another strong finish to his impressive record.
For the 2026 edition, Newman will be backed by primary sponsor Ed Martin Ford, with additional support from Finzer Roller, Bobcat Company, and Lucas Oil.
With his combination of experience, mechanical knowledge, and relentless determination, Newman’s return adds even more depth to an already stacked field. As the laps wind down on the 500-lap classic, don’t be surprised to see the Indiana native in the mix, continuing his pursuit of a Little 500 victory.
The 78th Unified Group Little 500 presented by ED Martin Automotive Group week begins Wednesday May 20 for practice. CB Fabricating Pole Day is Thursday, May 21, and Bump Day is Friday, May 22. The historic 500 lap race is scheduled to start at 8:00pm on Saturday, May 23. Fans unable to attend in person can watch racing live on Racing America. Click Here to Purchase Tickets today.
