Kurt Busch was reinstated by NASCAR on Wednesday after he was indefinitely suspended for an alleged assault against is ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll.
NASCAR suspended Busch indefinitely two days before the season-opening Daytona 500 after a Delaware family court judge granted Driscoll a protective order against Busch.
Busch appealed the suspension but lost. He complied with NASCAR’s reinstatement requirements and a health care expert recommended that Busch return immediately, according to the Associated Press.
Busch is still on indefinite probation.
"It means the world to me to be back in the car," Busch said. "It's been a tough situation the last few months, and I've gone through this with confidence knowing that I know the truth and that I never did any of the things that I was accused of. It was a complete fabrication. It was unfortunate that my personal life crossed over and affected my business life. I can't wait to get to the track to see my team, to shake their hands and say, 'Thanks for the support.'"
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president said in a statement, “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." O’Donnell also said that they have made clear their expectations from Busch moving forward.
Busch could still make this year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup despite missing the first three races of the season. NASCAR has waived the requirement that a driver must participate in every race weekend to be eligible for the Chase, meaning Busch will make the Chase if he’s in the top 30 in points and wins a race, according to ESPN. The treatment program will continue for Busch.
Busch will return to the number 41 Stewart-Hass Racing Chevrolet this weekend in Phoenix. Chevrolet, which had suspended their personal services agreement with Busch, as reinstated their deal with Busch. Bush will have his signature above the door of his car instead of his nickname, "The Outlaw.”