Appeals panel upholds RCR crew member suspensions

   A unanimous three-member panel of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel on Friday upheld the suspensions of two Richard Childress Racing team members charged with assault last month.

   Thomas Costello and Michael Scearce, who work for RCR’s No. 2 Nationwide Series team, were each suspended four races and fined $15,000 for their involvement in a post-race incident last month at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. Both are also on probation until Dec. 31.

   Henrico County (Va.) Police charged Scearce with two counts of misdemeanor assault and Costello with a single count of misdemeanor assault following a physical altercation near the track’s driver/owner motorhome lot.

   The crew members face a June 25 court date in Richmond. They are set to begin their suspensions beginning with next weekend’s race at Dover, Del.

 

   The crew members can still appeal a final time to Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, but no decision has been made.