In June 2011, during a Camping World Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway, tensions escalated between Kyle Busch and Richard Childress. Busch, known for his aggressive driving style, had already amassed an impressive number of victories across different NASCAR series. Childress, the seasoned team owner, was not one to back down either.
June 4, 2011: "Hold My Watch"
Richard Childress and Kyle Busch got in a little scuffle after a race at Kansas, with Childress fined a staggering $150,000. The two laughed about the moment when they united in 2022. pic.twitter.com/LT1EuLsq25
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) June 4, 2024
As the cool-down lap began, Busch found himself alongside Joey Coulter, driving for Childress’ team. Busch’s competitive spirit kicked in, and he bumped Coulter’s Chevy. Childress interpreted this move as disrespect and took it personally.
Childress, never one to shy away from confrontation, removed his watch and handed it to his grandson, Austin Dillon, saying, “Hold my watch.” Then, in a surprising turn of events, the older man put Busch in a headlock and delivered a series of punches. The scuffle left both men stunned and NASCAR fans buzzing.
NASCAR took swift action, fining Childress a whopping $150,000 for his role in the altercation. The incident became part of racing lore, forever etching “Hold My Watch” into the annals of NASCAR history.
Richard Childress’s Memorable Gesture: The Watch Exchange with Kyle Busch
In 2023, Kyle Busch found himself at a crossroads in his career. After 15 successful years with Joe Gibbs Racing, he sought a fresh start. Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a respected team, expressed interest in signing Busch. Negotiations were underway, and both parties were keen on sealing the deal.
As the contract discussions progressed, Richard Childress surprised everyone. During a meeting with Busch, he took off his watch—a cherished possession—and handed it to the driver. The gesture was symbolic, signifying trust, commitment, and a shared journey ahead.
Kyle Busch, touched by the gesture, accepted the watch. He signed with RCR, and the move marked a turning point in his career. Although Busch eventually joined Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), the memory of that watch exchange remained etched in NASCAR lore.
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