Newman getting feel for new team, new teammate (cont'd)

Although he admitted that additional testing probably would have helped him and Stewart in their current situation, he doesn't mind not getting on the track for Preseason Thunder as in years past.

"I'd say if we were in this situation last year, then it would be a bigger situation knowing that we are taking a brand new car to a big track for the first time," Newman said. "But I'm very confident in my crew and my team, and I think Tony is in his, as well. I don't think it is at all necessary for us to go down there and test Daytona.

"Would it be an advantage for us as a team? Yeah. But it is for every team, and that's why it's not necessary."

On the other hand, developing chemistry with Gibson, his new crew chief, is absolutely necessary. And that's what recent testing at Rockingham Speedway and Tuesday's outing at New Smyrna were mostly about for Newman.

Gibson is joining Stewart-Haas Racing after working most recently for Dale Earnhardt Inc., and previously for Hendrick Motorsports, which has formed a technical assistance alliance with Stewart-Haas.

"I got to know Tony [Gibson] a little bit more toward the end of the season and his wife, Beth, and really think a lot of him," Newman said. "He's very much like Tony [Stewart] and I and enjoys the outdoors, fishing and hunting -- and that's nice so you can connect outside of the race track. But his experience, his personality, his understanding of the way Hendrick Motorsports works and respect for the things that we do at Stewart-Haas Racing in conjunction with Hendrick Motorsports should all really help. I really look forward to working with him and the team and trying to succeed and accomplish our goals."

Those goals are lofty, Newman added. Despite being a spanking, brand-new team, he said he sees no reason why he can't successfully defend his Daytona 500 title, earn a spot in the Chase, and contend for the championship.

"I am confident coming out of the box that we'll be a contender at the Daytona 500," Newman insisted. "I feel that there are going to be some things that we'll have to learn, but I think as a group, with our team ... that we'll be competitive. I feel with the Hendrick components, myself and Darian Grubb and Tony Gibson, that there's no reason that we're not [going to be].

"Secondly, our goal is for both cars to make it into the Chase. Once we're in the Chase, we'll determine how much of a contender we are for the championship. ... I really look forward to creating our own successes."