Chip Williams Arrested

I don't embrace tabloid journalism, and it's certainly not my objective to turn this into a blog that highlights people's mistakes.

But after reading of the arrest of Chip Williams on child sex charges, Dale Earnhardt fans (Dale Sr., that is) may believe that "what goes around comes around." Williams (pictured here from 1987), the former PR director for NASCAR and current executive of his own public relations company, was involved in a dispute with The Intimidator during Speedweeks back in February of 1994.

That was a dark Speedweeks. Veteran driver Neil Bonnett was killed during a practice run on February 11. Then three days later, rookie driver and Dash Series graduate Rodney Orr died in a practice crash.

Bonnett was Earnhardt's best friend. After Bonnett's crash, Chip Williams said in a public statement that "driver error" caused the fatal wreck. That statement was perceived as insensitive and premature given two points: Bonnett was an experienced driver, and Bonnett was racing on Hoosier tires. Later that week, Hoosier, engaging in the first Cup series tire war since 1988, withdrew from competition because of safety concerns over tire wear.

Complicating the issue was that Bonnett was continuing his comeback, which began a year earlier, from his serious head injury at the spring event at Darlington in 1990. Williams's assessment of "driver error" seemed like an assault on Bonnett's courage and character.

Earnhardt took great exception to Williams's comment, and lashed back at him. Williams softened his stance, but Earnhardt was coming off his 6th Cup championship, and third in four years. He was powerful. When he spoke, people listened. Big E's criticism of Williams was heard by many.

Williams resigned his position at NASCAR less than three weeks later, on March 1, 1994. Coincidence? Doubtful.