Newman's 10th-place finish in Sunday's race was his 21st top-10 of the season - the most of any driver. Newman gained one spot in the series points race, moving to fourth, and continues to hold a 20-point lead (338-318) over Johnson in the rookie battle.

"Jimmie and I talk about (the rookie race) a little bit, but the bottom line is that we're out here doing the best job we can no matter what," Newman said. "We're not here to give any or take any, we're just here to get what's awarded. That's why they call them awards."

Newman now sits 204 points behind Tony Stewart in the series points race.