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NASCAR mechanic Dave Green has slammed Richard Childress amidst their #3 spotter controversy. Austin Dillon won the race at Richmond Raceway, but the post-race coverage was dominated by his spotter's comments on the team radio.
Austin Dillon secured his Cup Series playoffs spot after his win at Richmond. However, controversy erupted after he made contact with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the exit of the final corner of the track on the final lap which gave him the win. Another allegation arose after the race; against Brandon Benesch, Dillon's spotter. Just before the incident, the spotter told the driver on radio to "wreck him" (Logano).
As fans await the decision regarding this investigation by Richard Childress Racing, a NASCAR mechanic has shared his views on the situation. He claimed that he would have suspended the spotter by now if he was part of the team.
"If I was Richard Childress I would have suspended the spotter myself Sunday night," he wrote on X. "Make a press release saying he over stepped his bounds and it had no impact on Austin’s decision making."
"If they distanced themselves from him immediately it might have softened today’s blow. Now they leave it up to NASCAR who will most likely suspend him indefinitely anyways."
Austin Dillon defends Richard Childress spotter amidst controversy
The race confirmed Austin Dillon's entry into the playoffs. Considering his performances this season, he has finished mostly outside of the top-20. Although his form has improved in recent races, his victory was still a surprise.
Talking about the controversy he faced with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dillon defended his spotter.
"I'm expecting something obviously. I think as far as my spotter, I talked to him and I truly think you know for all of us the emotions were really high in our situation for the #3 car. We've been beat up, banged up for a while now," Dillon said [at 4:56].
"From my spotter, I feel like he became a fan in the stands on the last lap of Austin Dillon and RCR. He was just saying what came to his mind in the moment and it was wrong and I'm sure there's going to be something from that."
No penalty or decision has been taken against Richard Childress Racing or Austin Dillon's spotter as of this writing. However, Elton Sawyer did not rule out the possibility of a penalty.
