Q&A: Mears, Newman, Bowyer.

Tuesday, 21st February 2006

They may have come up a little short in NASCAR’s biggest race, but Daytona 500 runner-up Casey Mears, third place finisher Ryan Newman and top rookie Clint Bowyer still had plenty to smile (and talk) about after the race.

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You know, Kevin tried to get up there and go with me, but his car just wasn't working the best up there. Proud to be the top car at RCR. I think we got some strong runs ahead of us all of us.

Q.
Casey, with two laps to go, the way Jimmie was running this thing at the end, that was just not enough time, right?

CASEY MEARS:
Yeah, I mean, Jimmie has been really fast the whole few weeks here. Obviously, had a little bit of controversy.

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RYAN NEWMAN:
This guy cost me a million dollars.

CASEY MEARS:
Shoot, you got me the race before (laughter). It would have been tough to catch him. He would have needed one more lap. 38 had such a big run on me coming off of four, like I was going to go with Ryan, thought about moving to the top, the 38 had such a big run, I had to block down low. Did you like that? That work for you?

RYAN NEWMAN:
Yeah (smiling).

CASEY MEARS:
Heck, I don't even know what to say, man. I'm happy. This is a good finish for me. I don't even know if I answered your question (laughter).

MODERATOR:
Our second place finisher, Ryan Newman, No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge, joins us.

RYAN NEWMAN:
We're still trying to figure out who finished second.

MODERATOR:
Give us a quick overview of the run today.

RYAN NEWMAN:
Well, first of all, we had a great two car team ever with Penske Racing. Kurt and I were working together. Not that that's the biggest thing of the day. But that helped keep us up front for a while there and stay out of a couple of the wrecks.