

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) lost its final appeal Wednesday. The original infraction concerned the team manipulating tires on the Chevy raced by RCR driver Ryan Newman in March. NASCAR issued historic penalties on March 31 after finding altered tires used in a race March 22 in Fontana, California.
Newman was docked 75 driver points and car owner Richard Childress 75 owner points. Luke Lambert, crew chief for Newman, was fined $125,000 and suspended from the next six Cup races plus any non-points races during that span. He’s was also placed on probation through December 31/. In addition, James Bender, the team’s tire technician, and Philip Surgen, a team engineer, were suspended from the next six races, including any non-points events during that time and placed on probation through December 31.
RCR appealed the original penalties to a three-member panel. That panel reduced the fine and deduction of points, but upheld the suspensions. The team sent an interim crew chief to the race at Bristol Motor Speedway in place of Lambert. However, on the Friday prior to qualifying, RCR decided to make their final appeal, and Lambert worked Bristol, Richmond and Talladega as the team waited Wednesday’s hearing. MORE>>>
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