Driver wives should aspire to be more like Newman

Not since 1956, when female driver Louise Smith raced Late Models and midget cars, has NASCAR had a proclaimed first lady.

And by first lady, I don't mean wife of NASCAR president Brian France. I mean a female personality fans can relate to, someone fans can admire. Much like how fans admire male drivers on the track, fans need a female to follow.

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That female is Krissie Newman, wife of Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman.

She is NASCAR's sweetheart, an unyielding philanthropist for animal causes and a friend to every Cup organization in the garage. Oh and she bakes too, cookies every weekend for the No. 12 team.

Newman's character and accessibility has made her what some consider role model material for the sport of NASCAR.

"I think she's like a first lady to a president, people look up to Krissie as much as they look up to Ryan," said Michelle Croom, executive assistant for the Newman family. "She is a real leader in this sport ... to know Krissie is to love her."

With her down-to-earth demeanor, Newman made a lasting impression on NASCAR fans on Feb. 17 after watching her husband win the 50th running of the Daytona 500.

In an oversized sweatshirt and hair pulled back in a pony tail, a tearful Newman walked from the No. 12 Penske Racing pit box to greet her husband, overwhelmed with emotion.

In post-race interviews, the 30-year-old Jersey girl, full of amazement, held tight to her husband's arm and displayed extreme pride and elation.

Almost immediately, fans formed a connection and wanted to know everything about NASCAR's new favorite wife. Her "Google" hits last weekend went through the roof, according to a California blogger who tracks drivers' wives and significant others.

"The response was huge on our fan forum," Croom added. "It is because Krissie is accessible and even more approachable. She will stop and talk to any and every fan she can."

What fans especially love about Newman is that she and her husband refuse to hide behind handlers or shy away from the public. In fact, the two were spotted Thursday morning shopping together at a grocery store two miles outside California Speedway. This is the same couple that just won the Daytona 500 and was cut a $1 million check from Dodge's chief executive officer Bob Nardelli.

Since her marriage to Ryan Newman in 2004, Newman has become a personality every girl wants to call her best friend.

Her zest for life is contagious, her personality is influential, and Krissie is well aware of her position as a NASCAR wife.

Whether it is coaxing a Dodge dealership out of trucks to haul dog food around animal shelters in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina or making T-shirts supporting the animal cruelty conviction of Michael Vick, Newman throws her weight around, all 120 pounds. (Continued)