Newman to drive No. 39 for Stewart-Haas in 2009

Ryan Newman will drive the No. 39 -- not the No. 4 -- for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009.

Stewart, who made the announcement Monday night during Tony Stewart Live on Sirius, noted Newman's first USAC midget victory came in the No. 39 car.

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Newman also has 14 starts in the Nationwide Series in the No. 39.

The No. 39 was last used in the Cup Series in 2005 by Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Pruett (one race), Reed Sorenson (1) and David Stremme (4).

Friday Hassler drove the No. 39 from 1967 until his death during a Daytona 500 qualifying race on Feb. 17, 1972.

Car No. 39 has made 243 starts with 16 top-five finishes and 58 top-10s.

During a news conference last weekend at Michigan to introduce Newman to the SHR team, it was said Newman would drive the No. 4 while Stewart will drive the No. 14.

However, Morgan-McClure Motorsports still holds the No. 4 even though it has not raced in the Sprint Cup Series this season. The No. 4 was last used by MMM on Oct. 21, 2007, at Martinsville when Ward Burton finished 38th.

Stewart chose the No. 14 to honor his racing hero, A.J. Foyt.