CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The crew chief for Nationwide Series driver Brendan Gaughan was suspended indefinitely Thursday for using a racial slur about rival driver Marc Davis, who is black.
Bryan Berry apparently used the slur as he walked toward the Nashville Speedway garage to confront Davis during Saturday night’s race. At least two people heard the slur and reported it to NASCAR, which investigated the claims before suspending Berry.
The 19-year-old Davis did not want to comment on the incident.
“NASCAR has clear and precise policies covering all racing conduct and procedures,” his father, Harry, said in a statement. “Mr. Gaughn and his crew actions do not merit response. NASCAR has resolved the issue.”
Rusty Wallace Inc., which owns Gaughan’s team, said the organization has cooperated with NASCAR’s investigation.
“RWR requires all of our team members to adhere to the highest levels of personal conduct at all times while representing our organization and its partners,” the team said. “We will accept absolutely nothing less.”
Berry and Gaughan were both angry after a pit road accident. Gaughan and Davis were going down pit road when Davis turned left into the garage in front of Gaughan, who ran into Davis’ car.
Berry got off the pit box to go to the garage to confront Davis, and leaned into Davis’ car window to yell at him. NASCAR said there was no issue with the conversation between Berry and Davis, only with what Berry said before he reached the garage.
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