The charges were previously dropped; Now, the case has re-opened
Carlos Eduardo Trocon Ortiz was handed an arrest warrant on December 21st following felony second degree assault charges. Ortiz is better known as crew chief Eddie Troconis in the NASCAR garage.
The charges stemmed from an altercation with spotter Clayton Hughes at Talladega Superspeedway on October 2nd. Troconis was serving as the crew chief for the Young’s Motorsports No. 2 in the NASCAR Truck Series that same day. Kris Wright, driver of the No. 02 finished 36th in the race.
On October 6th, NASCAR announced an indefinite suspension to Troconis. The penalty report noted section 12.8.1.c.
Penalty (Section 12.8.1.c): Member actions that could result in a loss of 25-50 driver and Team Owner Points and/or $50,000-$100,000 fine and/or one Race suspension, indefinite suspension, or termination.
In January, he turned himself in to the Talladega Sheriffs department. The 42-year-old was released on bond of $7,500. NASCAR spotter Clayton Hughes pressed the charges, per police statements.
Related: NASCAR crew chief suspended indefinitely after Talladega
Police statements
Police responded to a call at one of the campgrounds near the Talladega Superspeedway. They arrived at the scene to see a man laying on the ground and unable to move his legs.
Talladega Chief Deputy Josh Tubbs stated the confrontation stemmed from an argument over a woman, per the AnnistonStar.com.
Note: Eddie Troconis is married to NASCAR driver Jennifer Jo Cobb.
The Chief Deputy used the phrase “sucker punching” in his report. He noted that Hughes was struck in the back of the neck. That was followed by kicks as he fell to the ground.
Hughes was first moved to the care center at the Talladega Superspeedway. He was later transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where he went into surgery.
Hughes was reportedly recovering from extensive injuries. They noted, “learning to walk again.”
Second degree assault is a Class C felony in the state of Alabama. Sentencing could bring between one year and a day up to 10 years in prison.
In February, the assault charges against Troconis were dropped. Days later, NASCAR lifted their suspension of the crew chief.
Case re-opened; Suspended again
This week, Alabama grand jury indicted Troconis with an assault charge. The case is now re-opened.
On Thursday, NASCAR released their weekly penalty report. Troconis has been indefinitely suspended, again.
Related: NASCAR fines Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing $100,000
Links
Young’s Motorsports | Kris Wright | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
