Busch suspended indefinitely

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - NASCAR confirmed Friday afternoon it suspended Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kurt Busch indefinitely for 'actions detrimental to stock car racing,” after the release of a Delaware court's findings that the 2004 Cup champion committed domestic abuse against former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll.

'As we stated last year, NASCAR fully recognized the serious nature of the specific situation involving Kurt Busch, and really the broader issue of domestic violence. And based on our review of the available details, including the court's findings that were released earlier today, NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Kurt Busch,” said NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell. 'Kurt Busch and Stewart-Haas Racing are fully aware of why we made this decision, and as with any suspended membership, Kurt will have the right to appeal this. If he does elect to appeal this, NASCAR will expedite the appeal process.”

Busch's attorney, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement shortly after O'Donnell's announcing the driver would appeal the ruling.

The earliest a three-person panel can hear an appeal for Busch would be Saturday. In that hearing, Busch would have to represent himself. If he loses, he's allowed to go to the commissioner for a second appeal.

'We assure everyone, including NASCAR, that this action against Mr. Busch will turn out to be a travesty of justice, apparent to all, as this story continues to unfold,” Hardin said in the statement. 'It is important for everyone to remember that the Commissioner's report has to do with a civil, family law matter and no criminal charges have been filed against Mr. Busch.

'We ask everyone's patience as this case continues in the court of law and are confident that when the truth is known Mr. Busch will be fully vindicated and back in the driver's seat.”

NASCAR has the right to either grant or deny a deferral of the suspension while the appeal is being heard. If a suspension is deferred, the suspended party would be able to participate until the appeal is finished. NASCAR has not yet announced if there will be a deferral.

Additionally on Friday, Chevrolet cut ties with the driver in a statement from Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Motorsports and Performance Vehicles

'Chevrolet has suspended its relationship with Kurt Busch indefinitely,” Campbell said in the statement. 'We will continue to monitor the events surrounding Mr. Busch and are prepared to take additional action if necessary.”

Busch was slated to start 24th in Sunday's Daytona 500, but will not be allowed to race or participate in any NASCAR activities while he's suspended. Stewart-Haas racing confirmed Friday evening JR Motorsports driver Regan Smith with be in th No. 41 for the race regardless of what happens with Busch's appeal.

NASCAR made it clear when the allegations of Driscoll were made public it would treat the issue of domestic violence very seriously, especially in light of the public instances in other sports in the last year.

O'Donnell emphasized that point further on Friday, as did NASCAR with the swift decision to suspend Busch after the Order of Protection from Abuse was granted to Driscoll by a court in Delaware. Criminal charges have not been filed against Busch in the matter, but that investigation is ongoing.

'NASCAR has made it very clear to our entire membership and the broader industry that any actions of abuse will not be tolerated in the industry,” O'Donnell said. 'We want to make it clear that any inference that there's a culture or tolerance for this type of behavior is patently false. We don't plan to comment further tonight. This is an ongoing legal matter in Delaware, so we won't be taking any questions.”

The full release from NASCAR is below:

'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, the 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.””

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