In a nail-biting showdown in Martinsville, the Xfinity Series championship picture became even murkier. Sam Mayer had already secured his spot in the Championship 4 after a stunning win in Miami, but the drama was far from over. The pressure was on for three bubble drivers, each separated by a mere 3 points. Among them was Austin Hill, the regular season champion, determined to solidify his Championship 4 berth. His teammate, Sheldon Creed, on the other hand, found himself at the bottom of the playoff standings, facing a must-win situation.
Race day arrived, and the Richard Childress Racing cars were lightning-fast, raising hopes for a victory. However, a late-race restart turned the event into chaos, resulting in wrecked cars lined up at the finish line leaving the RCR garage seethed with frustration.
RCR teammates clash in overtime chaos as Sheldon Creed faces the heat of the boss’s fiery words
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The tension peaked as the Martinsville race entered a two-lap overtime shootout following a staggering 15 cautions. The front row saw the Richard Childress Racing playoff duo, Creed and Hill, side-by-side, with the championship finale on the line. As the cars stormed into the last lap, a fierce battle unfolded. Creed and Hill raced down the backstretch, making contact in their desperate bid for victory. Creed took the lead in Turn 3, but Turn 4 would prove to be the defining moment.
Hill rammed into the back of Creed, propelling him into the wall. The chaos that ensued opened the door for championship hopeful, Justin Allgaier, who managed to edge out Creed at the finish line, securing his place in the championship race. Hill’s hopes of advancing were crushed as he failed to finish, ultimately placing 21st. Meanwhile, Cole Custer, who finished 19th, clinched the final transfer spot, putting him seven points ahead of Hill.
The post-race emotions were nothing short of explosive. The RCR team boss and Hill couldn’t contain their frustration, both pushing Creed under the bus. However, Creed had a measured response, understanding Hill’s anger. He said, “Austin’s going to be mad for tonight. I moved him off the bottom but then was very fair about it, I thought, compared to what we’ve seen in the past. I feel like for the situation I played fair. Obviously, I could have been his blocker and made sure he got in, but we’re both racing for this and my guys deserve me to give 100%.”
Hill, on the other hand, had a different perspective, expressing his frustration, particularly with Creed’s actions he said, “I thought I was doing everything right for the most part. The thing I’m more mad about is not really the shove up the racetrack, but when he parked it in the corner. I ran into the back of him and blew the radiator and then he let [Allgaier] win the race. Like how dumb can you be?”
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However, the storm was far from over. What truly stirred the NASCAR community was Richard Childress’s response to the entire ordeal. He didn’t mince words, calling Sheldon Creed “stupid” and criticizing his lack of teamwork. Childress expressed his disappointment, saying, “I’ve had drivers drive for me before but nobody as stupid as Sheldon Creed.”
Richard Childress quote from this story: “I’ve had drivers drive for me before but nobody as stupid as Sheldon Creed.”
Come on now… https://t.co/ffuemtcYFl
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 29, 2023
Richard Childress draws ire for ‘stupid’ comments on departing driver
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Richard Childress’s scathing comments about Creed have left fans divided and disappointed. Some took to social media to express their disapproval. One fan wrote, “Classless of him to say that…” and “It’s going to make for a very uncomfortable week and last race for Creed. I really didn’t think he did anything wrong.”
Another fan pointed out Childress’s grandson’s past performance in relation to his comments, saying, “His grandson drives for him, so we know that’s a lie” and “Including his grandsons, or no?” Others echoed the sentiment, with one fan remarking, “So not cool.” Fans undoubtedly expected more professionalism from team management, especially in the face of controversy.
The general consensus was that while drivers might get heated after a race, management should maintain professionalism and handle matters behind the scenes. One fan noted, “Their statements and behavior tonight were inappropriate.”
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As the page turns to 2024, Creed is preparing to leave the No. 2 cockpit. With one final race remaining in the season, questions linger about whether Creed will be in for the season finale at Phoenix after Childress’s silence on the matter.