Brandon Hopkins, a former tire changer, is suing Michael Waltrip Racing for damages, citing breach of contract, defamation, intentional interference with a contract and violation of the N.C. blacklisting statute after he was fired just before having to undergo surgery for a shoulder injury that was caused by a pit lane accident.
In September 2013, Hopkins was working on Clint Boyer’s crew when midway through the race, Bowyer pitted for a tire change. As Hopkins was crossing to the passenger side of the car, Bowyer took off and Hopkins was struck on the left side of his body, which knocked him to the ground and injured his right shoulder.After attempting rehab and, according to Hopkins, delaying the inevitable surgery, in August 2014 he went under the knife. Although he had been cleared to work in October 2014 after rehabilitation, he had been fired. Prior to surgery, Hopkins had brought home a pit gun (the lug nut tool) that he believed was his to secure it while he was in surgery and rehab. Michael Waltrip Racing maintains that he stole a team-owned pit gun and was fired for the perceived theft.
(Courtesy: Charlotte Observer)
Brring, brring…. “Hello?:” “Uhhh yes, is this Brandon?” “Why yes it is.” “Yeah Brandon, this is Jimbo with Waltrip racing. Do you have that pit gun?” “Yeah, it’s here at the house. I thought I could have it.” “No, Brandon. We need to have that back.” “Ok, cool. No problem.”
See, wasn’t that easy?
M Waltrip has got to be one of the weirdest goobers ever. What Big E saw in him I will never know.