NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase: Newman's hopes hit by points penalty
Ryan Newman's chances of making NASCAR's Sprint Cup Chase have been dented by a points penalty for a Darlington technical infringement
The Richard Childress Racing driver finished seventh last weekend, but his Chevrolet failed post-race technical inspection.
Newman has been docked 15 points and his crew chief Luke Lambert fined US$25,000, having been on probation for a bodywork indiscretion at Atlanta in March.
The penalty is a blow to Newman's Chase aspirations, as he is among a group of drivers fighting for a spot in the 16 on points.
Jamie McMurray heads into this weekend's final pre-Chase race at Richmond International Raceway with the last of the three places occupied by drivers without a win this season.
The penalty means Newman now has a 22-point deficit to make up to pass McMurray rather than seven, unless he wins at Richmond.
CURRENT CHASE FIELD
On wins: Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart, Chris Buescher
On points: Chase Elliott 659, Austin Dillon 651, Jamie McMurray 642
Trying to get in on points: Ryan Newman 620, Kasey Kahne 598, Ryan Blaney 573, AJ Allmendinger 562, Trevor Bayne 559
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