Danica Patrick could get Ryan Newman's crew chief in 2013

• The popular female driver will transition full time to Sprint Cup next year for Stewart-Haas Racing
• She will race Cup this weekend at Dover International Speedway
• Ryan Newman is returning to SHR in 2013 but hasn't announced sponsorship

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Danica Patrick appears set to work with Ryan Newman's crew for her full-time Sprint Cup ride in 2013.

Stewart-Haas Racing would like to ease Patrick's transition by letting her work with crew chief Tony Gibson and his team. Newman, who drives the No. 39 for SHR, would then be in the market for a new crew chief.

"I'm just kind of looking at what's best for her, surrounding her with the best people we can that are upbeat and positive," said Greg Zipadelli, Stewart-Haas Racing competition director and race strategist for Patrick.

Zipadelli said Saturday that all options are being considered and a decision could be made in the next week or two. But the move is all but official. He's been talking to crew chief candidates for 2013 that would likely work with Newman.

Zipadelli said Gibson's experience and upbeat approach make him a great fit for Patrick, who is 11th in the points standings in her first full season driving for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. She ran a limited Nationwide schedule in 2010 and 2011.

"It's easier to do that than to bring somebody else in that we don't know or know as well as we know him," Zipadelli said. "I think he'd add an awful lot to her and her program."

Patrick has made six Cup starts this season and will race her 10th and final Sprint Cup Series event Nov. 11 at Phoenix International Raceway.

She'll make her seventh Cup start of the season Sunday at Dover International Speedway. Patrick said she's a Gibson fan and supports the pending move.

"I've always felt like he listens to me when I'm talking and that always means a lot," Patrick said. "I feel like I get the respect from him. I think that's the culture that Tony Stewart and all the guys there create. Everybody's happy."

Newman has one win this season and failed to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field.

He said after Saturday's qualifying he had "no idea" about Gibson potentially leaving for Patrick's team.

"I don't know that I am (losing him) or he is or whatever," Newman said. "I don't know what you're talking about."