Newman shows his value in IROC Brickyard test.

NASCAR Winston Cup Series rookie Ryan Newman tested a True Value International Race of Champions car June 12 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The True Value IROC series is racing's "all-star game." Twelve of the best drivers from various series compete in equally prepared True Value IROC stock cars in a four-race series that concludes at the Speedway.

Newman, a native of South Bend, Ind., joined True Value IROC test drivers Andy Hillenburg, Dave Marcis and Jim Sauter on the famous 2.5-mile oval. Newman isn't competing in the True Value IROC series this year, but he couldn't resist an invitation to drive one of the cars at Indy.

"The Signore's, Jay (IROC president and general manager) and Barbara, gave me a call and said, 'Come up here and test,'" Newman said. "They could just use a little help in trying to figure out the cars and the track and stuff like that. It's gives Dave Marcis, Jim Sauter and Andy Hillenburg someone else to talk to and give me some experience at the same time, too."

The test added to Newman's busy schedule. He has his hands full with the 36-race NASCAR Winston Cup schedule, his first full season in the series after competing in one event in 2000 and seven events in 2001.

Newman, who drives the ALLTEL Ford for Penske Racing, is 16th in points and tied his career-best finish of second May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. He scored his second career pole April 28 at California Speedway. His most impressive result, though, was winning the non-points The Winston on May 18 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte., N.C.

"So far, it's been pretty good," Newman said. "We've had some high spots, we've had some low spots, but we've been running well at every track we've been to, and that's important to us as a team. But we haven't had the finishes, which is important, also. We just need to rethink some of the things we're doing and get back on track as far as getting the top-fives."

Newman is looking forward to returning to his home state on Aug. 4 for the ninth Brickyard 400, which will be his second event at the Speedway. He started fifth in last year's Brickyard 400 and led three laps before making contact with the outside retaining wall between Turns 3 and 4 on Lap 32.

"We had a shot at the pole, and we had a great race car, and we got crashed out but finished the race, though," Newman said. "It's a fun racetrack; it's fun to drive. It's a prestigious event for me because it's Indiana, and I just look forward to coming back."

True Value IROC testing concluded Wednesday. The fifth True Value IROC at Indy race takes place Aug. 3.