Statement from NASCAR:
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2015) — NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Kurt Busch for actions detrimental to stock car racing following the release today of a supplemental disposition setting forth the findings and conclusions that formed the basis for the Family Court of the State of Delaware’s decision on Monday to issue an Order of Protection from Abuse against him.
Busch, driver of the No. 41 car, was found to be in violation of:
· Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
· Section 12.8: Behavioral Penalty
“Given the serious nature of the findings and conclusions made by the Commissioner of the Family Court of the State of Delaware, NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Kurt Busch, effective immediately. He will not be allowed to race nor participate in any NASCAR activities until further notice.
“Kurt Busch and his Stewart-Haas Racing team are fully aware of our position and why this decision was made. We will continue to respect the process and timetable of the authorities involved.”
NASCAR has taken these actions against Car 41 Kurt Busch Haas Automation Chevrolet is due to an allegation of domestic abuse. Haas Automation is working on a replacement driver for Car 41 in the 2015 Daytona 500.
NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell announces the indefinite suspension of driver Kurt Busch at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2015 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
National Motorsports Appeals Panel Statement
(Feb. 21, 2015)
The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of driver Kurt Busch.
The penalty concerns Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12.8: Behavioral penalty.
The penalty stems from activities last year involving Kurt Busch that resulted in a decision by the Family Court of the State of Delaware to issue an Order of Protection of Abuse against him.
The penalty is an indefinite suspension.
The Appellant appealed both penalties.
Upon hearing the testimony, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel decided that the Appellant violated the rules set forth in the penalty notice. The Panel therefore decided to uphold the original penalty assessed by NASCAR.
The panel consisted of the following three individuals:
Mr. Paul Brooks
Ms. Lyn St. James
Mr. Kevin Whitaker
Kurt Busch presented his position to the panel.
Representing NASCAR was Jim Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations.
The Appellate Administrator is NASCAR Vice President George Silbermann.
Kurt Busch has the right to appeal the decision to the Final Appeals Officer, Mr. Bryan Moss. Kurt Busch must inform NASCAR of his intent to do so within the guidelines provided to him.
The Final Appeals Officer has indicated that he would hear the final appeal, if requested, this evening at the International Motorsports Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Regan Smith will be driving Car 41 Haas Automation Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing team in the 57th Annual Daytona 500
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Graphics & Photos Courtesy of NASCAR