Kurt Busch, the retired NASCAR driver and 2004 Cup Series champion, was arrested on charges of driving while impaired (DWI) and reckless driving in North Carolina on Tuesday, August 13. According to reports from Sports Illustrated, Busch, 46, was pulled over in Iredell County after allegedly driving nearly 20 miles per hour above the speed limit. His blood-alcohol level was reportedly measured at 0.17%, more than twice the state’s legal limit of 0.08%.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Busch’s driver’s license has been suspended for 30 days pending his court appearance scheduled for September 19. In response to the incident, Busch issued a public apology through Fox Sports’ NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass on August 14. In his statement, Busch expressed deep remorse, saying, “I’m very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, my racing family, and to 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.”
This recent arrest isn’t Busch’s first encounter with law enforcement related to reckless driving. In 2005, he was cited for reckless driving in Maricopa County, Arizona, after being detained on suspicion of driving under the influence. Busch refused to undergo standard field sobriety tests, and although a breathalyzer machine malfunctioned during his detainment, he was eventually released with a citation.
Busch’s personal life has also faced turmoil in recent years. In May 2022, he and his wife, Ashley, announced their divorce, with Busch stating that he was “heartbroken” and requesting privacy during the process.
Busch, who retired from full-time racing after the 2022 season, remains a significant figure in NASCAR history. However, this recent incident casts a shadow over his post-racing career and raises questions about his next steps, both legally and personally.
