Relationship Issues: Crocker Forced To Keep Low Profile

Lawsuit Brings Relationship Between Evernham (l) And Crocker To Light

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Erin Crocker, a member of Ray Evernham’s team, is “suddenly keeping a low profile” after Nextel Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield in a lawsuit against Evernham “suggested that the poor performance of his race team this year was caused in part by Evernham’s relationship with Crocker,” according to Viv Bernstein of the N.Y. TIMES. The lawsuit was filed after Mayfield was fired from Evernham’s race team. Crocker and Evernham have not publicly commented about the situation. According to Craftsman Truck driver Todd Bodine, the relationship between Crocker and Evernham “was common knowledge.” Bodine: “They’re both good people and they fell in love.” Mayfield “denied that he had broken an unwritten rule by referring to the relationship in the lawsuit.” Mayfield: “I didn’t cross the line until I was forced into the position I had to cross the line. I just had to do what I had to do” (N.Y. TIMES, 8/26). Meanwhile, NASCAR team owner Bill Davis confirmed that Mayfield will join his Toyota team next season (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/26).