Ryan Newman to Replace Martin Truex Jr. in Chase for the Cup

After reviewing the controversial finish to the Federated Auto Parts 400 in Richmond, Va., NASCAR officials have decided to replace Martin Truex Jr. in the Chase for the Championship in favor of Ryan Newman.

NBC Sports first reported news of the decision:

BREAKING: @NASCAR will replace @MartinTruexJr56 with @RyanNewman39 in the Chase for the Sprint Cup after controversy at Richmond. (via @AP)

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 9, 2013

Carl Edwards came away as the winner of Saturday's race, but the bigger story was what happened behind him. Clint Bowyer spun out, causing a crash that eventually knocked Newman and others out of contention.

Brian Vickers also pitted late to help Truex manage a strong enough finish to earn the final wild-card spot in the Chase.    

However, after a review of the incident, NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton released this statement on NASCAR.com:

Based upon our review of Saturday night’s race at Richmond, it is our determination that the MWR organization attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race. As the sport’s sanctioning body, it is our responsibility to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all of our competitors and this action today reflects our commitment to that.

ESPN's Marty Smith provided further additional information on the penalties:

MWR PENALTY IS: Newman in Chase. Truex out. 50 points docked per car. 300K fine. Ty Norris suspended indefinitely.

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) September 10, 2013

Before this decision was released, many fans and competitors were upset about what took place. Jeff Gordon, who finished one spot out of the Chase, even felt bad for Newman:

Was feeling pretty bad about missing the #Chase but after seeing all the details coming out now I feel even worse for @RyanNewman39.

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) September 8, 2013

Fortunately, things have now been rectified after the controversial practices by Michael Waltrip Racing. 

According to Jeff Gluck of USA Today, the penalties were not just a result of MWR's action; they are also an effort to make sure this type of incident is not repeated:

Mike Helton: "We penalize for it to ask for it to not happen again. It's a message from the sanctioning body to say, 'You can't do this.'"

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 10, 2013

Hopefully, after the fines, suspensions and removing of Truex from the Chase, this will not be an issue in the future.   

Newman now joins Kasey Kahne as a wild card, giving him enough points to contend for a championship.

Matt Kenseth enters the Chase as the overall leader thanks to five wins on the year, trailed closely by Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch.

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