Appeal hearing set for RCR vs NASCAR on Newman tire penalty
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) Richard Childress Racing will present its appeal next week of NASCAR penalties levied against Ryan Newman's team for allegedly manipulating tires.
In a statement Thursday, Richard Childress said the appeal hearing is scheduled for April. 16.
''We feel confident we have a very compelling case to present to the appeals panel,'' Childress said. ''We strongly believe in the intent of the rules and the integrity of our own teams while following those same rules.''
Childress said the team would have no further comment until after the hearing.
NASCAR said tires taken from Newman after the March 22 race in California failed an independent inspection and had been altered to intentionally release air pressure during the race.
Newman and car owner Childress were docked 75 points each. The points would be reinstated if RCR wins the appeal. Penalties and suspensions against crew chief Luke Lambert, tire technician James Bender and engineer Philip Surgen have been deferred during the appeal process.
Lambert was fined $125,000 and suspended for the next six races, including the All-Star race in May. Lambert was also placed on probation through the end of the year. Bender and Surgen also were suspended six races and placed on probation through Dec. 31.
