AP sources: NASCAR boots Martin Truex Jr. from Chase; Ryan Newman to replace him

[JimLeavy59]

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.
The action by NASCAR is a result of Bowyer intentionally spinning with seven laps remaining to bring out a caution with Newman leading Saturday night. Newman was racing Truex for the final spot in the 12-driver Chase field.

[MrBill]

Ironic considering NASCAR has no problem throwing a "debris" yellow with under 15 to go when the race is locked up.

[Jayrock]

Anyone else not have a problem with what Bowyer did?

[Woy]

Anyone else not have a problem with what Bowyer did?

Explain why you don't. No hate, I'm just curious.

[Golden Taters]

The thing I had a problem with was Ryan Newman was leading the race when Bowyer spun himself out, he did his part and was going to clinch with that win. It's not like he was running 12th and Truex was back in 20th or something, the whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way.

I also like how Boyer denied it after the race and Dale Jr was all

[Jayrock]

Explain why you don't. No hate, I'm just curious.

It's actual race strategy, IMO. It makes sense for him to cause a caution to give his teammate a chance.

And Newman's team had a chance to win anyway.

It's like Steve Bartman & Alex Gonzales costing Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, & Cubs fans blaming them for losing the series even though there was a Game 7 with Kerry Wood pitching to be played.

[Woy]

[Golden Taters]

Good this makes the Chase even more exciting, what a wild year this has been. Jeff Gordon has had a lot of bad luck this year but has had a lot of speed everywhere, his team deserves to be in it anyways.

[Woy]

I believe that Gordon deserves to make it - he's certainly had the cars capable of being in the field, just not the luck - but I'm indifferent on this decision because of the precedent it sets. This is the second time the playoffs have been changed since the Richmond race ended.

[Golden Taters]

Logono is in whether or not Gilliland gives up his position, so I don't really care what he did since he didn't spin himself out and reset the field. I also don't think a precedent is set because of Michael Waltrip Racing penalty was the biggest in the sports history, teams are not going to try and risk it or they will do a hell of a lot better job covering it up.

[Golden Taters]

This just about sums up how wacky this 2013 season has been.

New racecars, Denny Hamlin breaking his back, Tony Stewart breaking his leg (and now Mark Martin is his replacement!), countless great finishes and now expanding the Chase field to 13

This has been the most exciting season imo since 2004 when they first introduced the Chase.