Appeal date set for Ryan Newman's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing team

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel will hear the case of Richard Childress Racing and the No. 31 team on April 16, 2015. Until the panel hears the appeal, the fine and suspensions issued last week are deferred.

NASCAR issued a P5 penalty on RCR after it was determined the team had altered tires during the Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway.

Team owner Richard Childress and driver Ryan Newman were docked 75 points each; crew chief Luke Lambert was fined $125,000, suspended for the next six events -- including the Sprint All-Star Race in May -- and placed on probation for the remainder of the year; tire technician James Bender and engineer Philip Surgen were also suspended for the next six events and are on probation through the end of the year.

With the appeal date set and the suspensions lifted, Lambert, Bender and Surgen are permitted to take part in this weekend's race at Texas Motor Speedway.