NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samuel Deeds 400 At The Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 28, 2013
Photo – Getty Images

There are wins that change a driver’s career. Ryan Newman has won the Daytona 500 and the All-Star Race, but one race he has aspired to win was the Brickyard. Growing up just a few hours north of Indianapolis left Newman dreaming of winning at Indy. The track’s rich history makes it a victory that pulls your career towards different path. Of all the times this could have happened for Newman, this timing is the perfect.

He started off the weekend by winning the pole and that got the Hoosier emotional, but he had no idea what was to come. The pole gave him a great start to the day and it allowed him to lead until the first round of green-flag pit stops.

After the round of stops, four-time Indy winner Jimmie Johnson moved to the lead. He was able to stay out front through the first two cautions, but other drivers’ strategy shuffled Johnson back for the mid part of the event.

He climbed his way back to the front on lap 98 and would stay there until his last pit top of the day with 28 laps remaining.

A crucial stop for his team turned disastrous when it took 17 seconds to complete, therefore forfeiting lots of time on the track.

Newman eventually came down pit road and his crew chief, Matt Borland, made a wild strategy call to give his driver a go for broke attitude to end the race. He only took two tires, giving himself a seven second cushion over Jimmie Johnson.

While the other drivers made their stops, the best two cars of the day worked their way back to the top of the leader board. With 12 laps to go, Newman officially took the lead again and Johnson lurked four seconds behind.

As the laps wound down, Johnson inched closer. As it turned out, it was not close enough as he still had over two seconds to Newman on the last lap.

The hometown boy rounded turn four to take the checkered flag in one of his biggest days of his career. It was a “Dream come true for me” he said in victory lane.  Growing up in Indiana, he had his sight set on the famed speedway and dreamed of one day winning there. That day came today.

This win couldn’t have come at a better time for Newman considering his point standings position. Before the race, he was sitting outside the top-ten, needing a win and knowing he needed to get that win fast. With the win, he now has a victory towards the Wild Card hunt so another win and consistency could put him in the Chase.

For those reasons, this win is absolutely huge for that team. Along with the team, it’s big for Newman who is without a ride for next season. This win could turn some heads and maybe secure the Rocket Man a seat for 2014. Six races remain until the Chase and now that team has a legitimate shot at making it in so, they have to stay consistent if they want that spot in the championship hunt.

Results via ESPN.com