NASCAR: Ryan Newman's One Year Deal with Stewart-Haas Still Leaves Questions

Ryan Newman's ride with Stewart-Haas Racing is safe for one more year. Just one.

It was reported and confirmed that Ryan Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing have agreed to a one-year contract for 2013 (via Sporting News).  

What is still concerning is that there was no announcement about a sponsor that will cover the 12-race void that the U.S. Army is leaving after this season.

While this is good news for Ryan Newman, it does leaves concerns.  The fact that his deal with Stewart-Haas is only for next season appears to show that there are still major questions regarding sponsors.

Team owner Tony Stewart has to not only deal with sponsor woes on Newman's car, Stewart's car lost Office Depot's 22-race sponsorship.

Fortunately for Newman, his car only needs to fill 12 races, which is something they can do.  The problem is how viable will short-term sponsors be?

Both Stewart and Newman need major sponsors willing take up big chunks of races and not just companies looking to pick up a race here and there.

I'm sure Tony Stewart doesn't want to pay for Newman's car out of his own pocket for too many races if he was forced to.  

It's going to be up to Newman to showcase his talent and marketability to potential sponsors.  The strong likelihood of missing the Chase this season definitely hurts Newman, but making a few trips to victory lane before the season ends will be very beneficial.

2013 could be a make or break year for Ryan Newman and his future with Stewart-Haas Racing.