Ryan Newman, Luke Lambert, Crew Members Penalized by NASCAR for Modifying Tires

NASCAR docked driver Ryan Newman 75 points in the 2015 Chase for the Sprint Cup after discovering that his tires were doctored during March 22's Auto Club 400. Richard Childress Racing's appeal for the penalty was set for April 16, at which point it was reduced to 50 points.   

Continue for updates.

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Newman Penalties Upheld Following Final Appeal

Wednesday, May 6

Bob Pockrass of ESPN reported that the appeals officer upheld the Newman team penalties of 50 points, $75,000 and a six-race suspension.

Alan Cavanna of Fox Sports provided comments from an RCR spokesman:

After the initial penalties were reduced on April 26, Cavanna provided a statement from RCR on the penalties:

Kelly Crandall of PopularSpeed.com provided the reasoning behind that decision:

Jerry Bonkowski of NBC Sports' NASCAR Talk reported on April 9 that the RCR team felt it had a "very compelling case" in the appeal regarding Newman's tire penalty.    

The team issued a statement in which team owner Richard Childress said, "We feel confident we have a very compelling case to present to the appeals panel. We strongly believe in the intent of the rules and the integrity of our own teams while following those same rules. Out of respect for the appeal process, we will have no further comments until after the hearing."

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Newman Docked for Illegal Tire Modification

Tuesday, March 31

ESPN's Marty Smith shared the news of the big blow to Richard Childress Racing on Tuesday, adding the details of various suspensions—headlined by crew chief Luke Lambert:

NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Sean O'Donnell also spoke on the matter. 

"NASCAR takes very seriously its responsibility to govern and regulate the rules of the sport in order to ensure competitive balance," said O'Donnell, via NASCAR's official website. "We've been very clear that any modifications to race vehicle tires is an unacceptable practice and will not be tolerated."

Fox Sports' Alan Cavanna provided further context for the severe punishment leveled against Newman and his team:

Newman was sixth in the driver standings prior to this rules violation, sitting 83 points behind leader Kevin Harvick. The punishment caused him to slide 20 spots into 26th.

The penalty is obviously a huge setback for the No. 31 car, which finished fifth on the manipulated tires at Auto Club Speedway. With 17 career wins and a runner-up finish in last year's Chase, Newman seemed to have no need to bend the rules.