The post-race incident between Turner Motorsports’ Nelson Piquet Jr., Richard Childress Racing’s Brian Scott and their crews apparently escalated into an alleged physical altercation in or near the driver motorhome lot at Richmond International Raceway late Friday night, according to the Henrico Police Department.
A statement from Lt. Linda N. Toney said, “Henrico Police are investigating a verbal argument that started in the infield area of RIR that escalated into a physical altercation near the Driver/Owner Lot. The assault occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. Two adult males are in custody as a result of the ongoing investigation. One of the two adult male victims has a shoulder injury. Further information is not likely to be available while the investigation continues. We will provide updates when information is available.”
Reports indicated that the individuals taken into custody were from Richard Childress Racing who Scott drives for. RCR released a statement, “We are aware an incident took place outside of the track’s infield following Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway involving members of our team; and others from another team. We are cooperating with the local authorities in this matter”
Scott was involved in a late crash with team mate Austin Dillon and Justin Allgaier that sent those two in for repairs and Scott limping home. Apparently he and Piquet Jr. had issues in the closing laps and Piquet nudged Scott up the track dropping him from 15th to 20th. Scott gave Piquet a nudge during the cool down lap and Piquet retaliated by spinning Scott around. When the two got to pit road they quickly exited their cars and fists started flying and Piquet kicked Scott in the groin area.
Scott said, “A part of me told me that he was going to hit me for 15th place, and then he did. I was just showing my displeasure with him after the race and then things escalated. I went to talk to him, I was a little heated and the camera probably shows it, but he kicks me right below the belt, which I think is a below-the-belt type of shot.”
Piquet defended himself during television interviews but also used some profanity which could cost him later next week since NASCAR has fined others for such actions in the past.
Speedway Media will provide updates throughout the day as the news develops
