Tuesday, March 31, 2015

NASCAR levies heavy penalties to Richard Childress Racing's No. 31 team for altering tires

   NASCAR has levied unprecedented penalties to Richard Childress Racing's No. 31 Sprint Cup Series team for altering tires.

   Crew chief Luke Lambert has been fined $125,000 and suspended from the next six Cup races plus any non-points races during that span and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. James Bender, team tire technician, and Philip Surgen, team engineer, have been suspended from the next six Cup races, plus any non-points races, and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. 

   Driver Ryan Newman and car owner Richard Childress each have been penalized with the loss of 75 championship driver and championship car owner points. 

   “NASCAR takes very seriously its responsibility to govern and regulate the rules of the sport in order to ensure competitive balance,” said Steve O’Donnell, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We’ve been very clear that any modifications to race vehicle tires is an unacceptable practice and will not be tolerated.”

NASCAR statement regarding Indiana's recently enacted 'religious freedom' legislation

Statement from NASCAR Senior Vice President
and Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes on the Indiana Legislation

   DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 31, 2015) – “NASCAR is disappointed by the recent legislation passed in Indiana. We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our sport and therefore will continue to welcome all competitors and fans at our events in the state of Indiana and anywhere else we race.”

   To read more on the widely-criticized Indiana law, go here.