NASCAR 2015 News: Drops the Hammer on No. 31 Team and Ryan Newman for Manipulating Tires
The tire controversy in the NASCAR sprint Cup Series appears to be at an end. After seizing tires from several teams after the race in Fontana, California nearly two weeks ago, NASCAR has found what they were looking for. The no. 31 team driven by Ryan Newman and owned by Richard Childress has been found guilty of manipulating its tires and NASCAR's punishment was severe.
NASCAR deemed the offense at the P5 level, the second most severe tier, and levied a huge penalty against the team. Newman has been docked 75 drivers points and the team was docked 75 owner's points. Crew Chief Luke Lambert has been fined $125,000, suspended for the next six Sprint Cup events and placed on probation through the end of the year. The team's tire technician and engineer have also been suspended six races and placed on probation.
"NASCAR takes very seriously its responsibility to govern and regulate the rules of the sport in order to ensure competitive balance. We've been very clear that any modifications to race vehicle tires is an unacceptable practice and will not be tolerated," NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O'Donnell said in a statement.
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RCR President Torrey Galida also released a statement addressing the controversy.
"We understand the seriousness of the penalty. In fact, RCR has been one of the most outspoken opponents against 'tire bleeding' since the rumors began to surface last season. Once NASCAR provides us with the specific details of the infraction we will conduct a further internal investigation, and evaluate our options for an appeal," he said.
Newman, after finishing second in the points last season, was off to a strong start in 2015. He was sixth in points. If the punishment is upheld on appeal he will drop to 27th in the points and be without key components to his race team for the next six races.
