Kurt Busch might be on the fast track back to NASCAR after being cleared of domestic violence charges.
The Delaware Department of Justice said on Thursday it "would likely be insufficient to meet the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that Busch committed a crime,” clearing him of criminal charges.
NEWS: no charges in the @KurtBusch case, per Delaware DOJ
— Alan Cavanna (@CopaCavanna) March 5, 2015 DOJ says evidence "would likely be insufficient to meet the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that Busch committed a crime"
— Alan Cavanna (@CopaCavanna) March 5, 2015 A Delaware family court ruled on Feb. 20 that Busch “committed an act of domestic violence” against former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll during a Sept. 26 scuffle at Dover International Speedway. The court said Driscoll had “bruising and substantial and prolonged pain to her head, neck and throat,” but the Delaware Department of Justice had the final say Thursday.
NASCAR suspended Busch indefinitely after the Feb. 20 ruling.
Regan Smith is driving Busch’s No. 41 Chevy during the suspension. This week's Sprint Cup race is in Las Vegas.
Busch issues the following statement Thursday through his attorneys.
I am grateful that the prosecutors in Delaware listened, carefully considered the evidence, and after a thorough investigation decided to not file criminal charges against me. I wish to thank my family, friends, fans, and race team who stood by me throughout this nightmare with their unwavering support. Thanks also goes to my legal team for making sure that the truth got out and was fully provided to the prosecutors. As I have said from the beginning, I did not commit domestic abuse. I look forward to being back in racing as soon as possible and moving on with my life.
Driscoll also issued a statement on Thursday.
While I respect the process, I am disappointed that full justice was not served here. My family and I take a measure of solace in the Order of Protection From Abuse granted by Commissioner Jones, who confirmed my account of the facts of the night of Sept. 26 was the most credible.
At great risk to my personal and professional reputation, I have spoken candidly, at length, and on the record, to a variety of outlets in an effort to correct the distortions and sensationalism that have unfortunately marked the coverage of this painful time in my family’s life. I would urge anyone covering this case to stick to the well-established facts.
Giving further air to baseless and discredited accusations about me does a disservice to the public and reduces a serious matter for law enforcement into tabloid gossip.
In all future developments in this case, I will continue to stand up for my integrity and for justice. But for now, I am focused on my family, my friends, and my important and gratifying work with the Armed Forces Foundation.
NASCAR issued this statement Thursday afternoon:
NASCAR is aware of the Delaware Department of Justice announcement today regarding driver Kurt Busch. As we disclosed Monday, he has accepted the terms and conditions of a reinstatement program and is actively participating in the program. Kurt Busch's eligibility for reinstatement will continue to be governed by that program and the NASCAR Rule Book, though the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges certainly removes a significant impediment to his reinstatement.
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