Five things about ... the perfect NASCAR marriage

After one heck of a blind date arranged through her grandmother more than eight years ago, Krissie and husband Ryan Newman are NASCAR's model married couple.

They've become an example of well-adjusted normality in a sport often compared to a crazy traveling circus. How do they juggle their hectic existence?

These five things might clue you in.

Ryan Newman Foundation

"Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and Their Pets" shares personal stories and photos of drivers and their furry friends.

• Store: Order your copy today!
• Video: Newman's foundation
• Learn: Official Web site

1. No kids, just dogs ...

They have five dogs but as of this summer the two have no plans for children.

"Oh, no. No kids," Krissie said.

"How do you make one," Ryan asked with a straight face. "We don't have any plans. We are happy right now."

2 Favorite date night ...

"We are always gone so watching movies on the couch I think is what we like to do most, just laying around hanging out with our dogs," Ryan said.

3. Joining their club ...

Newman's boss and teammate, Tony Stewart, has yet to join the married couples' club and as much as Krissie and Ryan would love to see him settle down they don't force the issue. They don't arrange any blind dates for him.

"No, he is fully stocked. Actually, that would be a good question for Krissie," Ryan said.

"I would never do that, no, I like my friends way too much," Krissie said with a laugh.

4. Good examples ...

Some of what Ryan learned about marriage he gathered from his parents.

"I learned to listen pretty well. My dad gave me 60 percent of the advice and my mom was the other part but she stayed at home and really took care of me. Everything was done for me, I was really spoiled as a kid. I didn't pay enough attention to how much she did for me. If I had to do more, I would've appreciated her more. I try to remember that."

5. Hook, line and sinker ...

If you ask Ryan, a competitive angler who rarely leaves home without his fishing pole, he hooked his wife of five years with charm and the ability to communicate.

The first time the couple talked on the phone the conversation lasted more than two hours.

But on the water, his go-to bait for big bass?

"I call it a Senko, but it's just a 5-inch rubber worm. Senko is the brand."