Nationwide Series crew chief Bryan Berry was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday by NASCAR for allegedly using a racial slur to refer to driver Marc Davis during the running of the Federated Auto Parts 300 Saturday at Nashville Superspeedway.
Berry is the crew chief for Nationwide Series rookie Brendan Gaughan, who drives for Rusty Wallace Inc. Gaughan and Davis, who is black, were involved in a pit road accident during the event. Hartford Courant
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. The Associated Press
During Saturday night’s race at Nashville Superspeedway, Gaughan was entering his pit and hit Davis, who was trying to turn left through a gap in the pit wall. Both cars were heavily damaged.
Gaughan returned to the track, but on the radio he ordered his crew to not let Davis, 19, leave the track until “he sees me.” Gaughan also complained vehemently to ESPN reporters after the race.
Wallace agreed that the incident was “a perfect storm” that was neither driver’s fault.
NASCAR officials confirmed that Berry and some crewmen went to Davis’ garage stall and that Berry approached Davis’ window net yelling at him.
NASCAR’s statement said Berry was suspended for violating Section 12-1 of the Nationwide rule book, which is “actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation with another team.” ESPN
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