Former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch has made headlines after his recent arrest for DWI and reckless driving.
The incident, which occurred on August 13, 2024, in Iredell County, North Carolina, has raised concern among fans and the racing community alike while Busch faces serious legal repercussions following his arrest.
Kurt Busch, who announced his retirement from the NASCAR Cup Series in August 2023, was pulled over by law enforcement for speeding—going at 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. Upon stopping him, officers noted signs of impairment, leading to a sobriety test that revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .17, which is more than double the legal limit of .08 in North Carolina.
According to reports, the 46-year old admitted to having consumed alcohol before driving. Law enforcement observed that he had “red glassy eyes” and a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath, further substantiating the suspicion of impaired driving.
Following the arrest, Busch was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of speeding, DWI and reckless driving. He was released early the next morning on a written promise to appear in court, with a court date set for September 19, 2024 while his driver’s license was revoked for 30 days.
In the wake of his arrest, Kurt Busch issued a public apology on Wednesday expressing disappointment in himself.
He stated: “I’m very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, my racing family, and my fans. I will work with the authorities to rectify the situation and work with the county to make it a safer place in the future.”
Busch’s career in NASCAR spans over two decades, during which he has established himself as a formidable competitor. He is best known for winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2004 and has secured a total of 34 Cup Series victories throughout his career.
His success on the track has made him a household name, and he is often recognized as one of the sport’s legends. Busch’s brother, Kyle Busch, is also a well-known figure in NASCAR, further solidifying the family’s legacy in the sport.
Despite his achievements, this incident marks a troubling chapter in Busch’s life. This is not the first time he has faced legal issues related to driving. In 2005, he was stopped on suspicion of impaired driving in Arizona, resulting in a court order to complete community service.
