NASCAR lifts driver Kurt Busch’s suspension.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR lifted its suspension of
Kurt Busch on Wednesday and ruled the former champion can compete in the title Chase should he qualify.
Busch missed the first three races of the season when NASCAR suspended him for an alleged domestic assault on his ex-girlfriend. He was suspended two days before the season-opening Daytona 500, and lost two rounds of appeals the day before the race.
The Delaware attorney general last week declined to charge Busch for the September incident with Patricia Driscoll. Also last week, NASCAR said Busch was following a path to reinstatement.
NASCAR said Busch complied with all requirements of the program but is under indefinite probation.
“We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior,” NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell said.
O’Donnell said when it became clear Busch would not be
charged it “removed a significant impediment” to his reinstatement.
“He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return,” O’Donnell said.
Busch will return to his Stewart-Haas Racing team this weekend at Phoenix. “We appreciate the steps Kurt Busch has made while following NASCAR’s process for reinstatement,” said Joe Custer, general manager of SHR.
Team co-owner Gene Haas had indicated the team’s top concern is Busch’s championship eligibility.
Busch still must comply with guidelines set by Family Court Commissioner David Jones, who granted the no-contact order for Driscoll that led to his Feb. 20 suspension.
Jones ordered Busch to be evaluated to see if there is a “treatable mental health condition.” He also said Busch must follow any suggested treatment plans.
Busch is appealing Jones’ ruling, and NASCAR will allow that to play out.