Ryan Newman will not return to Stewart-Haas Racing next season

Ryan Newman will not return to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2014, Tony Stewart confirmed Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The move coincides with the news that Kevin Harvick and sponsor Budweiser will join the three-car organization for 2014, a move which was announced Friday morning. Not wanting to expand to a fourth team, Stewart informed Newman of the decision in a 20-minute phone conversation Wednesday evening.

“Unfortunately, this will be the last year that we have Ryan with us,” Stewart said Friday. “That’s probably what has made this a bittersweet day. I’m bringing in another one of my friends to the organization, but also knowing that I’m losing a friend at the end of the year to the organization.”

Stewart called the move purely a “business decision” and stressed the importance of maintaining his close friendship with Newman, whose contract with the team expires at the end of the year.

With the addition of Danica Patrick, SHR expanded to three full-time cars for 2013 and the move initially stretched the resources of the organization. Not coincidentally, Stewart, Newman and Patrick all struggled through the early portions of the season.

When he spoke Friday, Newman said he “had a good run” with the team he’s been with since 2009 and is uncertain what his future holds.

“I can’t say I’m happy with how everything unfolded,” Newman said. “I know there are business decisions that sometimes trump friendships and I don’t think that was the case here. ... In the end, I’m happy. There’ll be a change for me.”

One potential opportunity for Newman is joining Richard Childress Racing and filling the ride Harvick will vacate. Team owner Richard Childress has publicly stated that he is considering Newman to drive the No. 29 car, but is still evaluating his options. A stumbling block could be finding a suitable sponsor to replace the departing Budweiser.

When asked if any of his current sponsors would follow him to another organization, Newman was unsure and said he had “some homework to do.”

Newman’s No. 1 criteria for a new team is one that can provide him with the equipment and resources to contend for a championship. RCR would fit that description, as Harvick has won two races this season and is ranked fourth in points.

“I want to be wanted for my ability,” Newman said. “It takes a good team with the right resources, it takes the financial side of it, and it takes a driver who can guide the rocket. That’s part of the homework is putting those things together, then you have to throw in the personalities and putting the right people together.

“I want to be competitive. I’m not going to go out there and just find a ride. I want to find a ride with somebody that has the same goals and perspectives as I do.”