'A heated discussion'

Rudd, team member scuffle after Monte Carlo 400

By Denise N. Maloof, CNNSI.com

RICHMOND, Va. -- Despite a seventh-place finish, all wasn't well for the No. 28 team following Saturday night's Monte Carlo 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Havoline Racing spokesman Steve Post confirmed a confrontation between driver Ricky Rudd and a member of the Robert Yates Racing organization after the race, calling it "a heated discussion."

Post said the incident apparently was sparked by some comments Rudd had made earlier in the week. The RYR employee and Rudd exchanged a punch and a water-bottle toss, and were separated, according to Post.

"The punch was thrown in the direction of Ricky Rudd and the water bottle was thrown in the direction of the crew member," said Post.

The incident comes 24 hours after news that the Sullivan County (Tenn.) sheriff's department is investigating a complaint from a female fan who said Tony Stewart pushed her following the night race at Bristol two weeks ago.

Rudd, who started sixth, is leaving Yates at the end of this season. He'll replace Elliott Sadler in the Wood Brothers' No. 21 car while Sadler takes Rudd's place at RYR.

Post stressed that the confrontation didn't involve any fans. He also refused to identify the RYR employee, adding, "At this stage, this an internal problem that will be dealt with by Robert Yates Racing."

 

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