RCR Awaits Word on Appeal of Penalties

Richard Childress Racing has an awful lot riding on Thursday's appeal of penalties levied by NASCAR after Ryan Newman's No. 31 RCR Chevrolet was found with tire irregularities following last month's Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway.

NASCAR hit RCR with what it calls a P5 penalty, the second most severe infraction on a scale that runs from P1-P6. Among other offenses, NASCAR cited RCR with violating section 20.16 of the rulebook, which pertains to wheels and tires: "A. Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments, from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted."

As a result, NASCAR hit the team hard.

Newman was penalized 75 driver points.

Childress was penalized 75 owner points. (Fox Sports)