NASCAR: Newman's points penalty reduced

NASCAR has upheld the penalties issued to Richard Childress Racing for tire tampering on Ryan Newman's car at Fontana's Auto Club Speedway last month, although some have been reduced in severity.

A three-member appeal panel agreed with NASCAR's finding that the tires on Newman's car had been tampered with, however Newman's points reduction was cut from 75 to 50, and crew chief Luke Lambert's fine reduced from $125,000 to $75,000.

The six-race suspensions that were issued to Lambert and other crew members remain unchanged.

"I'm thankful today to have had the opportunity to present our facts to the appeals panel and I appreciate their consideration of those facts to reduce the fine and reduce the points penalty," said Lambert in a statement issued by the team. "However, I am disappointed in the decision not to completely overturn the penalty, based on the facts we presented today."

The points adjustment moves Newman up four places in the standings to 20th ahead of this weekend's round at Bristol.

Originally on Autosport.com