Kurt Busch, the former NASCAR Cup champion, was taken into custody in Iredell County, North Carolina, on Monday, shortly before midnight.
The 34-time race winner was first stopped for allegedly speeding—63 mph in a 45 mph zone—when he was hauled over. During the traffic stop, Busch was subjected to a breathalyzer test, revealing a blood alcohol content of 0.17 percent, which is almost double the 0.08 percent limit in North Carolina.
In addition to spending three hours in a detention cell and having his driver’s license suspended for thirty days, he was charged with driving while intoxicated, dangerous driving, and careless driving.
Busch has given a written assurance that he will appear in court again in September.
NASCAR champion Kurt Busch charged with DWI, reckless driving
Kurt Busch, the 2004 #NASCAR Cup Series champion, is scheduled to appear in court on September 19 after being arrested by the Iredell County Sheriff's Office this week on charges of DWI and reckless driving: https://t.co/PnMfn7GI5r
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) August 14, 2024
Busch raced with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota throughout his career, competing with well-known teams like Penske, Roush, Furniture Row, Chip Ganassi, and Stewart-Haas. He won the 2017 Daytona 500 and the 2004 Nextel NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Busch retired in 2022 following a career-ending collision at Pocono Raceway. He was competing for the 23XI team, owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, at the time of his accident. He still represents the team as an ambassador.
In addition to his career in NASCAR, Busch pursued other motorsport endeavors. He participated in the 2008 Daytona 24 with Penske and placed sixth with Andretti Autosport in the Indianapolis 500.
Busch has previously been subject to legal action. Busch’s ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic abuse at the beginning of 2015.Busch allegedly hit the woman’s head on a wall.
After learning of the incident, he was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and had to miss the first three races of the season. Busch’s eligibility was restored by NASCAR and his team upon his return to the series, following the dismissal of all criminal charges. It was decided by a Delaware court that he “likely” attacked his ex.
About his arrest, Busch has not released any words to the public. Although it’s hard to pinpoint Busch’s exact wealth, it’s clear that he’s a multimillionaire. He could have easily phoned an Uber to come get him from his location and deliver him home.
This was a really stupid call from a guy who has every tool at his disposal to keep himself out of a position like this. You shouldn’t drive after drinking.
