Tony Stewart is building a reputation as the man with the golden pink slip.
The three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing appears to have a knack for firing someone, only to see them immediately succeed thereafter.
The latest example came Sunday when Ryan Newman won the Brickyard 400 just days after the Stewart-Haas team announced they wouldn't be bringing him back for the 2014 season.
Newman's win wasn't only special because he grew up in Indiana, only a couple hours away from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it also vaulted him back into contention for a berth into the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Sunday's win might only be the start of big things for Newman, if it's anything like the last time Stewart announced his intention to get rid of one of his team's high-profile employees.
Two years ago, just as the Chase was approaching, Stewart quietly told crew chief Darian Grubb that the pair would be parting ways at the end of the 2011 season. At the time making a change seemed like a wise move, Stewart had struggled through most of the season and only made the playoffs after a late-season push.
Once the 2011 Chase began, it was a different story with Stewart winning five of the final 10 races and edged out Carl Edwards for the title. Grubb was on top of the pit box for all of those races and his strategy calls led, at least in part, to Stewart's on-track triumph.
With a Cup title on his resume, it didn't take Grubb long to find work. He's now with the Joe Gibbs Racing organization, calling the shots for Denny Hamlin's team.
After Sunday's win, Newman is hoping to write a similar script. Like his boss in 2011, Newman struggled at the start of the season but the win at the Brickyard capped a strong stretch of racing which could signal the No. 39 team has finally gotten it all together.
Still 16th in the points, Newman needs another victory to feel comfortable about his playoff chances, but his single win could still be enough to grab a wild card spot depending on how things shake out.
More strong finishes could push Newman past some of the other one-win drivers looking for a playoff berth, like Martin Truex Jr., Kasey Kahne or even Stewart himself; or one of those one-win drivers could bump a zero-win driver like Jeff Gordon out of the top 10, opening up another wild card spot for Newman.
Newman was a victim of the numbers game at Stewart-Haas this season. With Kevin Harvick committed to the team for next season and sponsorship dollars at a premium, Stewart wasn't willing to add a fourth car to his fold.
With Stewart's own seat secure, it came down to a decision between Newman and Cup rookie Danica Patrick. Despite having more success on the track than his teammate, Newman doesn't bring the same marketing oomph as Patrick.
That leaves Newman looking for a ride next year. The rumour mill has him linked to Richard Childress Racing, where Harvick's departure has opened up a seat, or joining a team like Penske Racing or Roush Fenway Racing if either of the outfits decided to add an additional car next year.
If Newman does succeed in making the Chase and pushing for a championship this year after being unceremoniously dumped by Stewart, Patrick might begin eagerly counting the days to her own dismissal. It could be the big break she's been looking for.
