NASCAR Ban Lifted. Kurt Bush can Return to Racing

When he returns to NASCAR, Kurt Busch will have zero Sprint Cup Championship points.

The NASCAR ban of driver Kurt Busch has been lifted. He is eligible to return to racing under indefinite probation with “mandatory requirements that include but are not limited to participation in a treatment program and full compliance with any judicial requirements placed upon him.”

Last month NASCAR banned Busch for “actions detrimental to stock car racing” following a Delaware Family Court decision to issue an Order of Protection from Abuse against him for his actions toward his ex-girlfriend.

The requirement that a driver must compete in all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for the Sprint Cup is waived for the period of Busch’s suspension. If he returns to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, Kurt Busch would have zero Championship points to date after missing the Daytona 500 and the two most recent NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This might preclude a return to racing this year, at least for the team owner Stewart-Haas Racing. Bush could then concentrate on the upcoming IndyCar season. (During an afternoon teleconference, Bush confirmed he will be in the car at Phoenix. -editor)

“Now that Kurt Busch has been reinstated by NASCAR and is able to fulfill his obligations associated with our agreement, we have lifted our suspension and will continue to monitor the situation,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, Bush’s main sponsor.

“As we stated last week, the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch’s return to full status as a NASCAR member,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement. He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return.

“We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior.”