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(AP) -- NASCAR has passed a rule that will curb the ability of teams to set their cars up in a way that gives the driver easier rear steer.
 
A technical bulletin was issued by NASCAR on Thursday and goes into effect next week at Chicago, when the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship begins.
 
Drivers have alleged Hendrick Motorsports has made gains in the rear housing this season that has given its cars an aerodynamic advantage. NASCAR has maintained through the complaints that the Hendrick teams weren't breaking any rules.
 
Starting next week, a size of a piece of rubber called bushings that is located near the rear mounting points will have to meet a new maximum size.
 
The bushings were being manipulated to have more give and allow drivers more control of their steering as they went through the turns.

Ryan Newman has signed a contract extension with Stewart-Haas Racing for next season.

Newman is in the final year of the deal he signed in 2009.

The extension is a one-year agreement, and he said Thursday he took a paycut just like almost every driver has of late.

SHR is searching for heavy sponsorship for next year.

The U.S. Army said earlier this summer it's not returning to NASCAR next season, and Office Depot said Sunday it won't be back as co-primary of Tony Stewart's car.

Newman says he's not aware of any signed sponsors for next season on his No. 39 Chevrolet.

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