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Newman confirms NASCAR fine

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Friday, July 30, 2010

(Updated 12:59 pm)

By Dan Gelston
Associated Press

LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Ryan Newman says he was one of the drivers fined by NASCAR for making critical comments about the racing series and hinted that Denny Hamlin was another.

Newman refused to disclose today the amount of the fine or what he said. He implied that it was for comments he made after he crashed at Talladega Superspeedway.

People familiar with the penalties told the AP this week fines were levied because the comments were considered disparaging to the sport. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because NASCAR was not publicly identifying the topflight drivers it fined.

Newman says the penalties are "behind me. It's behind Denny right now." Hamlin was scheduled to meet the media later Friday at Pocono Raceway.

Newman says he was frustrated about the fine "because I didn't understand what it was or why it was."

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johnodrake

July 30, 2010 - 2:03 pm EDT

I don't agree with fines for speaking your mind.

HotRodLincoln

July 30, 2010 - 4:01 pm EDT

Mike Helton doesn't have the mental capacity nor the sack to be running NASCAR. It's done nothing but go downhill since he came on the scene. Time for him to step aside.

jusmyopinion

July 30, 2010 - 6:14 pm EDT

Nascar is turning out to be a joke! They wonder why the fan base is decreasing... Well let's see, you can no longer pick up qualifying or the race on the radio. They switch back and forth between different networks - Fox and TNT. And now, drivers are no longer allowed to speak their mind - which is one of their constitional rights!
I totally agree with the other person, Mike Helton does not know how to run NASCAR. He has done nothing but hurt NASCAR since he took it over. Maybe soon, they will figure that out!

And Ryan Newman?? He is usually so easy going and laid back. I can't possibly see him saying anything THAT bad about NASCAR. Sure they were not listening to Tony Stewart instead?? LOL

buzzman

July 30, 2010 - 7:53 pm EDT

I agree! Ryan Newman is one of the easiest going and laid-back drivers in the series. Don't remember his exact words, but do remember that it was nothing that should warrant a fine. Maybe Helton just needs some cash!
Also, not everyone has all the cable channels! For me, there is plenty to watch on the major networks, so I don't get TNT & ESPN. I was able to watch the races on FOX, but will be able to see only 3 on ABC.
If NASCAR was smart, they would welcome any "so-called" detrimental remarks because that just gets them more publicity, which they obviously need!

nemrac

July 30, 2010 - 9:35 pm EDT

What are they afraid of? NASCAR should be ashamed! They can't stand up to their own without censorship! Actually I am not surprised, they aren't the brightest folks around. This attitude and policy, if continued, will be their downfall.

jsipe29

July 30, 2010 - 10:33 pm EDT

Mike Helton is loosing it! After seeing the empty seats at Indy, he should take a step back and start listening to the fans. Until he takes NASCAR back to it's roots and stop opening new tracks all over the US, Nascar will continue to decline. There would be more fans show up at North Wilksboro than there was at INDY if it were open. Why would anyone want to see 1/4 of the race since there are seats on the infield and the fans can't see the whole track. I also agree with leaving the races on one TV station with the same commentators. Maybe consider having the races every Saturday night instead of Sundays. Stop trying to force more diversity into the sport. If minorities want to come to the races,in this day and age, everyone should know they are welcome. Stop focussing on one driver in an effort to save the sport. A lot of fans are turning against Dale Jr becouse that's who NASCAR focuses on at every race. He is what he is, a fair driver with a very famous name. Stop allowing Hendricks to have so many cars from his stables on the track. Teams are limited to four so he builds cars for Stewart and who knows who else. Or, I guess Hilton can keep going in the same direction and watch the sport go down the drain!