Bob PockrassSporting News

RICHMOND, Va.Henrico County Police had two adult males in custody Friday night after a fight in the driver/owner lot of Richmond International Raceway following a Nationwide Series race where Richard Childress Racing and Turner Scott Racing crews and drivers nearly brawled.

The police department did not reveal details of who was involved in the altercation but Richard Childress Racing confirmed its involvement and multiple sources said Turner Scott Motorsports personnel and driver Nelson Piquet Jr. were talking to police in the motorhome lot.

A statement from Richard Childress Racing Director of Communications Tim Packman confirmed the team's involvement. "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," the statement said. "We are cooperating with the local authorities in this matter."

The incident occurred a little more than an hour after the race.

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, a statement from the police department said.

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.

NASCAR did not release a comment on the incident.

We dont comment on ongoing police investigations, said NASCAR spokesperson Kristi King.

Two separate incidents following the Nationwide Series race involved RCR and Turner Scott Motorsports, sparked by an on-track incident between Piquet and RCR driver Brian Scott.

Following the race, both crews nearly came to blows and Scott went up to Piquet, who shoved Scott away and then kicked him in the groin.

Piquet later apologized for kicking Scott, saying it was in self-defense.

When you get a temper at the end of the race, everybody is tired and frustrated and you do things you dont mean, too, Piquet said after the race.

The intention wasnt to do that. It was just to keep him away from me because I didnt want to start a fight. He came running at me yelling. It was kind of a first reaction to defend myself. It wasnt meant to hit him where it ended up.

The video shows Piquet's aim is good.

It's two RCR crewmen who were arrested and taken to Henrico County Jail and have now been released.

Here's the update from this morning's Richmond newspaper:

2 face assault charges after dispute, altercation in RIR infield

HENRICO DIVISION OF POLICE

Thomas F. Costello (left), 35 , of Kannapolis, N. C., and Michael A. Scearce, 50, of Mount Ulla, N.C., face assault charges after an incident at Richmond International Raceway.

Posted: Saturday, April 27, 2013 8:45 am | Updated: 9:32 am, Sat Apr 27, 2013.

RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH

Two NASCAR crew members were taken into custody and charged with assault after what Henrico County police described as a physical altercation in the infield area of Richmond International Raceway near the driver-owner lot following last nights hard-fought ToyotaCare 250.

Michael A. Scearce, 50, of Mount Ulla, N.C., was charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault, Henrico Police Lt. Linda Toney said in a news release. Thomas F. Costello, 35, of Kannapolis, N.C., was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault. The two were charged and released early today.

"One of the two adult male victims has a shoulder injury," Toney said.

The website for Richard Childress Racing lists Scearce and Costello as crew members for driver Brian Scott, whose team clashed with that of rival Nelson Piquet Jr. on pit road, according to an Associated Press report.

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, Lt. Linda Toney said in a news release. The assault occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m.

Brad Keselowski took the lead on the lap 241 last night and held on to win the NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

The Associated Press reported that the race finished with a skirmish on pit road between the teams of Scott and Piquet. Scott told the AP his team was upset because Piquet ran him into the wall while fighting for 15th place late in the race. "When I went to talk to him, he just pushed and shoved me and then kicked me below the belt," Scott was quoted by the AP as saying. "It's just a chicken move."

Henrico police did not immediately provide further details on the altercation that led to the charges.

He may not be a "Black Belt" but he's definitely a "Below the Belt.

I'm very thankful Dave cleared up the question as to who was arrested. I've had over 70 calls to verify whether or not it was Johnny Mallonee and me. Thank you Dave!

Far as I can tell from the police blotter, you two other reprobates are in the clear this time!

my shoulder is still kinda sore and Tims glasses cut my hand-------hmmmmmm N O T

I told you Tim that you needed to change the number on your car but noooo you left that 2 on there, thought we had it made with the love scene being played out on the back stretch but someone wasnt watching them --only the race ---we dont do so good on pavement do we

I've seen a few dirt dobbers get in trouble on pavement. But they didn't look nearly as bad as the asphalt drivers on dirt!