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Sports

Two RCR crew members arrested for Richmond post-race incident

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Richmond, VA – Two crew members from Richard Childress Racing have been charged with assault after a physical altercation occurred in the driver/owner motorhome lot at Richmond International Raceway following Friday night's Nationwide Series race.

Thomas F. Costello, 35, was arrested and charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault, and Michael A. Scearce, 50, was taken into custody and charged with one count of misdemeanor assault. Costello and Scearce serve as crew members for RCR's No. 2 Chevrolet, driven by Brian Scott.

Henrico County police said one of the two male victims suffered a shoulder injury.

The incident reportedly happened shortly after a post-race confrontation between Scott and Nelson Piquet Jr., who drives the No. 30 Chevrolet for Turner Scott Motorsports. Both drivers made contact with each other while battling for position in the closing laps of the 250-lap event.

When Scott confronted Piquet on pit road after the race had concluded, Piquet kicked him in the groin. A shoving match between Scott and Piquet's teams then ensued before race officials had to separate them.

Scott claimed that Piquet shoved him into the wall while they were battling for position. He also noted there has been an on-going feud between them. Piquet was upset with Scott after he "door-banged" him during the cool-down lap. Piquet finished 14th, and Scott was 20th.

Both drivers and their team owners were summoned to the NASCAR hauler to discuss their altercation with officials.

Costello and Scearce have been released from custody. A court date for them has not been set.

RCR released a statement early Saturday morning, saying "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."

Scearce is a mechanic for RCR's No. 2 team, while Costello serves as an interior specialist.