Kurt Busch is facing an indefinite suspension from NASCAR following a domestic incident that occurred last fall. Busch’s ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll filed charges against the 2004 NASCAR top series champion last year. Per court reports, Busch choked and beat Driscoll during an argument. Following the confirmation of the charge from a judge, NASCAR issued the suspense and although Busch plans to appeal, the racing giant is showing no flexibility in their final decision.
Executive VP Steve O’Donnell spoke to the press and said “any actions of abuse will not be tolerated.” The NASCAR official said they have made their stance known and while aware of Busch’s appeal, stand close to their decision.
The indefinite suspension happened just two short days from the Daytona 500 season opening. The athlete’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, spoke up to defend his client, calling the suspension a “travesty.” Hardin said his client will be fully “vindicated and back in the driver’s seat.” But, that statement appears stale after the more recent announcement from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). Reportedly, SHR has already tapped Regan Smith to appear in the Daytona 500. That announcement came after Chevrolet suspended all affiliations to Busch on Friday.
While an appeal can happen as quickly as today, the likelihood of Busch appearing for the Daytona 500 is incredibly slim.
Driscoll spoke to ESPN, saying the suspension is not one filled with victory. Reportedly, she and Busch had an argument inside his motor home. Busch implores he cupped Driscoll’s face and told her to leave. Driscoll’s testimony showed that was not the case, and Busch choked her and slammed her head against a wall. The incident took place last October while at the Dover International Speedway.
Hardin said during the testimony the ex-girlfriend of his client was trying to ruin him because Busch had cut ties with her, and she lied during the hearing. The judge sided with Driscoll and said based on reports and testimony she was telling the truth.
Driscoll said the incident and series of events thereafter have been painful, especially when her story is called into doubt, “It is bad enough to endure the actual physical abuse, but the verbal attacks that follow when a victim speaks up are sometimes just as painful.”