Ryan Newman was issued a $10,000 fine for violating section 8.3.2.A of the NASCAR Cup Series Rule Book (Driver Responsibilities), and section 14.3.1.1.A&F (Driver Protective Clothing/Equipment) during the October 22nd race weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
During practice and qualifying for the 4Ever 400, Newman failed to wear a head sock under his helmet, which is a safety rule mandated by NASCAR.
On Tuesday, Newman was given the chance to appeal the monetary fine, but after his appeal was heard, the National Motorsports Appeals panel upheld the penalties.
The official statement from the appeals panel explained, “We reached this conclusion because it was demonstrated that [Newman] didn’t wear the proper safety equipment during practice and qualifying. In the absence of a specific fine for the infraction, we listened to NASCAR’s description for how they arrived at the $10,000 penalty. However, the panel suggests NASCAR establish a policy that all safety violations have a published range.”
The Appeals Panel members that heard Newman’s appeal were Mr. Dixon Johnston, Mr. Hunter Nickell, and Mr. Steve York.
Newman, 45, competed in eight NASCAR Cup Series events in 2023 after a one-year hiatus from the series. Newman’s best finish of the season came in the race at Homestead, where he came home 26th after starting the day from the 34th position.
In 2023, Newman was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers as part of the NASCAR 75th Anniversary Celebration.
