Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, is facing multiple charges following his arrest on Monday, August 12, 2024. The 46-year-old retired NASCAR driver was pulled over at 11:32 PM and charged with driving while impaired (DWI), careless and reckless driving, and speeding.

According to Iredell Free News, an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Busch’s 2024 Lexus on Brawley School Road after clocking it traveling at 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. Court documents reveal that Deputy Zalepka observed “red glassy eyes” and detected “a strong odor of alcohol” on Busch’s breath.

A North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who arrived to assist with the traffic stop administered a blood-alcohol test. Busch’s blood-alcohol concentration registered at 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 in North Carolina.

Busch, a resident of Mooresville, North Carolina, was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center. He was released at approximately 2:36 AM Tuesday on a signed promise to appear in court on September 19.

This incident is not Busch’s first brush with the law regarding driving-related offenses. In November 2005, he was cited for reckless driving in Maricopa County, Arizona, after being pulled over on suspicion of DUI. In that case, he was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

Busch’s NASCAR Career and Recent Activities

During his illustrious 23-year career in the NASCAR Cup Series, Busch drove for several prominent organizations, including Chip Ganassi Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Phoenix Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Team Penske, and Roush Fenway Racing.

His most recent competitive stint was with 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin. Busch drove the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE for the team. However, his racing career came to an abrupt end following a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway in 2023, which resulted in a concussion. The injury forced him to sit out the remainder of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

In August 2023, Busch officially announced his retirement from NASCAR Cup Series competition. Despite stepping away from the driver’s seat, he maintained a connection with 23XI Racing, serving as a consultant and mentor to drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.

As this legal situation unfolds, it marks a troubling chapter for the former champion, whose on-track accomplishments have been overshadowed by this recent arrest. The NASCAR community and fans alike will be watching closely as Busch’s September 19 court date approaches.

Kurt Busch statement: “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.”

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images