NASCAR has reinstated Cup Series driver Cody Ware following the dismissal of assault charges against him.
NASCAR has reinstated Cody Ware after eight months of indefinite suspension following his arrest in April and he will now be able to race again in time for the 2024 Cup season following the announcement.
Ware was suspended on April 10th, just a week after being taken into custody and charged with a felony assault by strangulation resulting in serious bodily injury and misdemeanor assault following a fight with his ex-girlfriend.
The dispute started after Ware missing a promise ring on his right finger, according to lawsuits and arrest warrants for both parties. Ware’s warrant indicated that he tried to strangle the lady, pushed her to the ground and slapped her in the face, while his girlfriend’s warrant indicated that she hit him in the head, breaking her right hand.
He was suspended seven races into the 2023 Cup championship season, which was his third year competing full-time in the championship. As a result, his family’s team, Rick Ware Racing, was forced to field a rotating door driver for his #51 Ford Mustang.
The #51 finally ran with seven drivers: Matt Crafton, Cole Custer, Todd Gilliland, Andy Lally, Ryan Newman, Zane Smith and J.J. Yeley. The impact of the suspension cost the team $3.5 million in sponsorship, while hiring the septet of drivers cost more than $300,000. RWR sued the girlfriend, claiming damages for both parties, but the case was later dismissed.
The Iredell County district attorney’s office dismissed the charges last Thursday, stating that prosecutors were unable to pursue the case because both parties chose not to assist with the investigation. Ware’s family also had a second legal suit against the girlfriend dismissed.
“I’ve maintained my innocence from the very beginning, even as there was a rush to judgment by others,” said Ware.
“I’m glad this entire matter is behind me because it’s been an incredibly difficult eight months. With all of the allegations being dismissed, I’m thankful to have my life back.”
Since 2017, Ware has participated in the Cup Series exclusively under his father’s team. Although RWR has already contracted Justin Haley to pilot one of the cars, if they decide to go a different direction, he may still return with the sister car.
The 28-year-old has made 97 starts in the Cup Series with one top ten result—finishing sixth at Daytona in August of last year.
