Former NASCAR driver hints at return to racing despite guilty plea to DUI

Former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch has hinted that he may return to racing despite his recent guilty plea to driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Bush was arrested late at night on August 13, 2024, in Iredell County. The offenses included speeding in a 45 mph zone and driving while intoxicated. Bush wrote at the time of his arrest:

“I am very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, my racing family and my fans.

“I will work with the authorities to correct the situation and work with the county to make it a safer place in the future.”

A Iredell Free News report also stated then:

“Deputy Zalepka reported that Bush, who lives near Pine Meadow Lane in Mooresville, “had red glassy eyes” and “a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath,” according to court records. “The defendant admitted that he was drunk before he got behind the wheel.”

In response to the charges, Bush pleaded guilty to the crime of driving while intoxicated. As a result, he was sentenced to 60 days probation and placed on unsupervised probation for a year. In addition, the court required him to perform 24 hours of community service in addition to paying the appropriate fee. As part of these legal consequences, Bush has lost his driver’s license and will have to obtain a temporary driving permit.

Reflecting on the incident, Busch addressed the situation and also stated that his goal is to eventually return to racing. He explained:

“I take full responsibility for my recent drunk driving arrest and deeply regret my actions. I voluntarily completed the pre-trial assessment and followed all recommendations prior to trial. I am committed to putting things right, ensuring this never happens again, and returning to racing with a new focus. Thanks to everyone who supported me.”

FOX Sports reporter Bob Pokrass shared the news on social media, writing:

“How TMZ Kurt Busch was reportedly sentenced to 60 days of suspended jail time with a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence this week. He was arrested Aug. 14 in North Carolina after he was pulled over for speeding and a breath test showed a BAC level of 0.17.”

While Busch has acknowledged his desire to return to NASCAR racing, the specifics of his potential return remain uncertain. Rumors grew about potential roles with his previous team, 23XI Racing, or perhaps another position in a lower level series. At this time, neither 23XI Racing nor Monster Energy, Busch’s sponsors, have made statements regarding his future involvement with the team.