racing
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 26, 2002) -- Ryan Newman and ALLTEL Team yielded results in their rookie season that are the envy of some veteran drivers in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. In addition to being named the series' Rookie of the Year, Newman recorded six pole positions, breaking Davey Allison's 1987 rookie record (5), and has the most of any Winston Cup competitor this season. In addition he recorded 16 top-five starts and 25 top-10 starts. Newman also held the best starting average (9.7) of any driver on the circuit. Newman's poles came at California, Chicago, Loudon (2), Martinsville (2), Rockingham (2), and Phoenix. The Hoosier driver grabbed his first career win in September at the New Hampshire International Speedway and won The Winston all-star event at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May.