Advertisement

Gallagher issues statement apologizing for fight with Townley

Spencer Gallagher has publicly apologized for his role in a fight with John Wes Townley during Saturday night's Truck Series race.

Townley and Gallagher fought after the two collided for the second time in the race. Townley was unhappy with Gallagher and went after him. Gallagher, as to be expected, defended himself, though he got DDT'd in the process.

Here's what Gallagher's statement says:

I would like to take time to address my actions at Gateway Motorsports Park this past weekend. First, I would like to apologize to John Wes Townley. Additionally, to his team and fans, I am sorry. The incident earlier in the race was not intentional and certainly was not meant to cause bigger problems later in the event.

My crew, who have worked so hard to get me to where I am this season, did not deserve to have their night ended in that way. My teammates and all of the guys back at the shop deserve more respect than was shown Saturday night. I would also like to apologize to my team owner, who wholeheartedly believes in this organization and expects all of us to perform at our best at all times, no matter the situation. And finally, I would like to extend a sincere apology to the NASCAR community – representatives and fans. I love this sport just as much as all of you and I am ashamed that I was part of an incident that has allowed so many to view what we do in a negative light.

His owner is his father Maury Gallagher, the CEO of Allegiant Airlines, the company that sponsors Gallagher's truck. Coincidentally, Townley also drives for his father and his father's company, Zaxby's, sponsors his truck.

NASCAR will very likely penalize both drivers later this week for fighting. Tony Stewart said after he won Sunday that Townley was one of his new heroes after what he did Saturday night.

"I can't wait for Tuesday because I told [NASCAR vice president] Mike Helton 'I've been waiting for this day for a long time to see how much you get fined for a fight.' He laughed at me. I said, 'Well, look at it this way, I've got a lot of scores to settle with people and I've only got six months to do it.' I've just got to figure out if it's economically feasible to do it, so I'm waiting to see what ‑‑ I'll be the one by 5:00 on Tuesday reading every social media thing out there. 

"But I'm going to go to Zaxby's and eat chicken all week just in support of John Wes. Hey, I'm all for it. I'm glad to see somebody had some emotion and actually did something with it. I'm going to live my life through him for this week. At least I did [Saturday].

- - - - - - -

Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!