NASCAR suspends Sprint Cup Series team pit crew member

   NASCAR announced on Tuesday it has indefinitely suspended Eric Maycroft, the front tire changer on Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr.'s pit crew, for violation of its substance abuse policy.

    Maycroft is expected to be replaced by Terry Spalding. Truex's No. 56 Michael Waltrip Racing team remains in contention for a spot in the 12-driver Chase for the Cup.

   “Michael Waltrip Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policies and those who complete the Road to Recovery program," the team said in a statement. "MWR’s zero tolerance policy has resulted in the immediate termination of the employee.”

Ryan Truex to make Sprint Cup Series debut at Bristol

   Richard Petty Motorsports development driver Ryan Truex will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway during Saturday night's Irwin Night Race.

   Truex will drive the No. 51 entry for Phoenix Racing. Truex signed a multi-year development deal with RPM earlier this year and the team is currently working to secure sponsorship funding. 

   The Mayetta, New Jersey native has two Nationwide series starts at Bristol and most recently posted a top-10 finish in the spring event in 2012. In his career, Truex made 35 Nationwide, three Truck and 22 K&N East starts. He won the K&N Series East Championship back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.

   "I'm excited to make my NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Bristol," said Truex. "It has been tough waiting on the sidelines while I healed from my collarbone injury, but now I am ready to go and make my Sprint Cup Series debut. It's pretty awesome that it's coming at Bristol at the night race."

   Team owner Richard Petty is also anxious to see the 21-year-old make his Cup debut.
 

   "It will be a big night for Ryan," said Petty. "He is a talented driver, and we look forward to his future with our team. We are working hard to find funding support to give him more opportunities behind the wheel."