NASCAR penalizes Newman, putting his Chase chances in doubt

The cars of Newman, who finished eighth, and Kyle Larson, who finished third, both failed post-race inspection, both failing to clear the Laser Inspection Station.

Newman was docked 15 points, team owner Richard Childress was stripped of 15 owner points and Newman’s crew chief, Luke Lambert, was fined $15,000 for the infraction.

Newman was seven points behind Jamie McMurray for the final transfer spot into the Chase but with the penalty the deficit is now 22 points with only Saturday night’s race at Richmond, Va., left to qualify.

RCR will not appeal

"We do not plan to appeal the penalty issued today to the No. 31 team. Our rear toe settings were well within specs during pre-race inspection. The car made contact with the outside wall during the race and there was clear damage to the right rear fender and tire. NASCAR has told us that the LIS standard is clear and the car must pass post-race inspection even if damage has been sustained." 

Larson and team owner Chip Ganassi also were docked 15 points and Larson’s crew chief, Chad Johnston, was fined $22,500 for their infraction. Larson is already in the Chase by virtue of his win at Michigan last month.

In other penalties issued Wednesday:

• Driver Ryan Blaney was fined $1,000 for improper driving protective clothing and/or equipment (Not wearing driving gloves during practice session)

• The teams of Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards will each lose 15 minutes of practice time at Richmond for failing to clear LIS three times pre-race.

• Tony Stewart’s team will lose pit stall selection at Richmond after his team picked up its fourth written warning at Darlington for failing pre-race template inspection twice.

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