Ryan Newman's crew chief suspended six races, fined $125,000 for tire tampering

Ryan Newman

There is now truth to rumors that circulated around NASCAR garages in recent weeks that certain race teams were altering tires to gain an advantage.

NASCAR announced Tuesday that the crew chief of Ryan Newman, Luke Lambert, has been suspended six races and fined $125,000 after a tire audit conducted following the March 22 race at Auto Club Speedway found illegal modifications to the team's tires.

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As a result of the P5 penalty, Newman and car owner Richard Childress have each been docked 75 points. The No. 31 team's tire technician, James Bender, and team engineer. Philip Surgen, have each been suspended for the next six races.

“NASCAR takes very seriously its responsibility to govern and regulate the rules of the sport in order to ensure competitive balance,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president, said in a media release. “We’ve been very clear that any modifications to race vehicle tires is an unacceptable practice and will not be tolerated.”

Lambert will be placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, joining Brian Scott's crew chief, Slugger Labbe, and Brad Keselowski's crew chief, Paul Wolfe, as team leaders on probation throughout 2015.

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