Ryan Newman's pit crew kicked off NASCAR's All-Star week activities by winning the Nextel Pit Crew Challenge on Wednesday night, beating Bobby Labonte's team in the final round.
Teams received time penalties for infractions ranging from loose lug nuts to spilled gas, which caused several teams to be eliminated after initially winning their heats. There were penalties on at least one team in each of the first 15 head-to-head stops.
Newman's seven-member crew changed four tires, filled the car with gas and pushed it 40 yards in 24.66 seconds to collect the $70,300 first prize.
Labonte's jackman reached the car first, but Newman's crew was able to get the No. 12 car to roll quicker to win the event. And thanks to a new rule, Newman's team will get to choose its pit box for Saturday's Nextel All-Star Challenge.