Truex out and Newman in

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Ryan Newman is replacing Martin Truex Jr. in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship as part of NASCAR'S penalties against Michael Waltrip Racing for manipulating the outcome of last weekend's race at Richmond.

Two independent people familiar with the situation described the penalties to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because NASCAR had yet to announce its decision. The governing body had scheduled a news conference for Monday night.

Michael Waltrip Racing has been fined $300,000, and general manager Ty Norris is suspended indefinitely. Truex, Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers have been docked 50 points apiece.

Newman was leading with seven laps remaining Saturday night at Richmond, where a victory would have given him the final spot in the 12-driver Chase field. But Bowyer spun and out came a caution, setting in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to Newman losing the race and Bowyer teammate Truex earning the final Chase berth.

While examining the situation, NASCAR reviewed communication between Bowyer and his Michael Waltrip Racing crew that seemed to indicate the spin was deliberate, as well as additional evidence that suggested MWR had Bowyer and Vickers take a dive over the final three laps so Joey Logano would knock Gordon out of Chase contention in yet another attempt to help Truex.

Bowyer has denied he intentionally spun and Truex was an unwitting participant. There's been silence from MWR officials, manufacturer Toyota and sponsors 5-Hour Energy (Bowyer) and NAPA Auto Parts (Truex), which pay millions to fund the race programs and likely owe MWR bonuses for each driver making the Chase.

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Permalink Reply by J.R. Sands on September 9, 2013 at 8:09pm

So was it the Money ?

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Permalink Reply by will on September 9, 2013 at 8:10pm

Always. Always follow the money.

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Permalink Reply by WJM on September 10, 2013 at 12:29am

As in NAPA bonus money...which would be ironic if it was $300K

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Permalink Reply by GDS on September 9, 2013 at 8:14pm

I think NASCAR should grind Bowyer until he admits it and apologizes like MLB did with their recent batch. I like Bowyer but that was chicken sh*t.

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Permalink Reply by james heggemeier on September 9, 2013 at 8:39pm

GOOD OLD P O S !! LMAO.. Robby told all of us back in the day all about Michael..

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Permalink Reply by mj on September 9, 2013 at 9:01pm

Not even gonna go here ! Just shaking my head and rolling my eyes .

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on September 9, 2013 at 10:00pm

Ryan Newman has had a roller coast week.I hope big mo hasn't peaked.

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Permalink Reply by J.R. Sands on September 9, 2013 at 10:28pm

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- The following are statements from Stewart-Haas Racing regarding NASCAR’s ruling to include Ryan Newman and the No. 39 team in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

“Obviously, we’re very pleased with NASCAR’s decision to provide Ryan Newman’s rightful place in this year’s Chase. NASCAR was put in a very difficult position Saturday night at Richmond and we commend the sanctioning body for taking the time to do the necessary due diligence to ensure that the right call was made.”

– Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing

“I am proud that NASCAR took a stand with respect to what went on Saturday night at Richmond. I know it was a tough decision to make. With that being said, myself, Matt Borland (crew chief) and this entire No. 39 team are looking forward to competing for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.”

– Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing