Newman blows engine

Ryan Newman will start his 150-mile qualifying race at the back of the pack. The No. 39 Chevrolet suffered an engine malfunction in Wednesday's first practice session at Daytona International Speedway.

The team was forced to change engines for the afternoon practice session, and under NASCAR rules an engine change will require Newman, the defending Daytona 500 champion, to start Thursday's Gatorade Duel from the rear of the field. He was scheduled to start the second 150-mile qualifier from the outside pole.

"Something broke in the engine," Newman said. "I'm not really sure what. Obviously the horsepower has been great in qualifying and it felt strong out there. I was just coming up through the gears and getting up to speed and something let go.

"It's unfortunate. But these guys have another bullet they can bolt in and we'll be good to go."

Thursday's Duel will be Newman's debut for Stewart-Haas Racing, which receives its engines from Hendrick Motorsports. He had the fourth-fastest speed during qualifying on Sunday.

That sucks..his qualifying speed was so good.

Well it didn't get any better for Newman in the 2nd Duel race.