Newman hit with 25-point penalty for Texas infraction

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 12 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.

The No. 12 car driven by Ryan Newman was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock-car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 12.8.1C (right-rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specification; too high in post-race inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book.

As a result, Newman and car owner Roger Penske have been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively. Crew chief Roy McCauley has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

"We had an issue in post-race inspection on Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. It is always our intention to follow NASCAR's rules, and we regret this mistake," Penske Racing South's vice president of operations Michael Nelson said in a statement. "We look forward to getting back to the track this week and are focused on having a strong run in the No. 12 Alltel Dodge at Phoenix International Raceway."

The penalty drops Newman from eighth to 10th in the Sprint Cup standings, with 876 points and now 189 points behind leader Jeff Burton.