Talladega, Alabama - 4/28/2009 -

Ryan Newman definitely put Rheem in the limelight when he made his first career superspeedway start in the Nationwide Series at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Saturday, April 25.  Newman and the No. 33 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) Rheem team started the Aaron’s 312 from the pole position, Newman’s first superspeedway pole in any NASCAR series, and he narrowly missed victory as first-time winner David Ragan made a pass in the final yards of the last lap to earn his first career win in NASCAR.
 
“I have to thank everyone at KHI for putting together a great car and to Kevin and DeLana (Harvick) for letting me drive this car,” said Newman after climbing from the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet. “(Crew Chief) Ernie Cope and these guys worked hard and we had a great day. We were in a good situation there with (Dale Earnhardt) Junior pushing us; I just didn’t expect the 6 car (Ragan) to come so fast, but I guess he had someone pushing him. These ECR engines are great, good enough to win the pole and good enough to win the race.”
 
 By crossing the finish line in second place, the No. 33 team now leads the NASCAR Nationwide Series Owner’s Point Standings by 22 points over the No. 18 of Joe Gibbs Racing.    
 
UP NEXT FOR THE #33 RHEEM CHEVROLET:
Kevin Harvick will return to the No. 33 Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) Rheem Tankless Hot Water Heaven Chevrolet this week at Richmond (Va.) Intenational Raceway (RIR). When Harvick climbs behind the wheel, he will be looking for his fifth win at the .75-mile track and the fifth win for KHI in the Nationwide Series.
 
“We got our first win this season, came close to a few more wins and now we’re looking to score another win this weekend at Richmond in the Rheem Tankless Hot Water Heaven Chevrolet,” said Harvick. “We’re bringing the car that we won Bristol with and hopefully at the end of the day, we can get it back in Victory Lane for KHI and Rheem.”