Loop Data shows Stewart, Newman right on target

Coming into this season, the performance of Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman with "new" team Stewart-Haas Racing was arguably the biggest question mark. Both drivers had spent their entire careers with one organization -- Stewart logged 10 years with Joe Gibbs Racing, Newman had seven full seasons with Penske Racing.

After five races, Stewart sits solidly in seventh in the standings, while Newman is 27th. But comparing both drivers to past individual performances, Stewart has statistically dropped off, while Newman has stayed consistent.

Below are Stewart's statistics after five races. Though his rank remains in the top 12, his statistics have trailed off this season:

Stewart's best may be yet to come. He ranks in the top five in three key Loop Data categories at Martinsville -- site of this Sunday's race -- since the inception of the statistics in 2005:

For much of this young 2009 season, Newman's outlook has been mostly gloom and doom. He finally notched a top-10 last Sunday, finishing seventh at Bristol. But the statistics suggest that his perceived subpar season isn't all bad -- especially when compared to past seasons. Newman's statistics through the first five races since 2005:

Last season, Newman started off strong, winning the 50th running of the Daytona 500. So, comparing his 2008 and 2009 campaigns would clearly be unfair. But otherwise, this season's numbers match up with -- or better -- Newman's starts 2006 and 2007.