Former NASCAR driver Kurt Busch has broken his silence after pleading guilty to Driving While Intoxicated in North Carolina. The charges stem from an incident on August 13, 2024, when Busch was pulled over for speeding at 63 MPH in a 45 MPH zone, around 11:40 PM. A breathalyzer test revealed a BAC of 0.17, significantly above the legal limit.
A report from Iredell Free News stated at the time of Busch’s arrest:
“Deputy Zalepka reported that Busch, who lives off Pine Meadow Lane in Mooresville, ‘had red glassy eyes’ and ‘a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath,” according to court records. ‘Defendant admitted to drinking prior to driving.'”
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kurt Busch was immersed in racing culture from an early age, influenced by his father, Tom Busch, a local racing champion. Busch attended the University of Arizona to study pharmacy before deciding to pursue a career in professional racing. His early racing career saw notable success, including winning the Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series in 1998, followed by a series championship in 1999.
Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, and Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald’s/RMHC Toyota, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. Former NASCAR driver pleads guilty to DWI.
James Gilbert/Getty Images
He won the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series championship during the inaugural season utilizing the “Chase for the Cup” points format. Over the years, Busch has accumulated 31 Cup Series victories along with victories in the Busch/Nationwide and Truck Series. His 2017 Daytona 500 win remains a highlight in his racing career.
For his recent DWI plea, Busch faced a 60-day suspended sentence, a 12-month term of unsupervised probation, and a forfeiture of his driver’s license, although he may later apply for limited driving privileges. According to a report from TMZ, the charges for reckless driving and speeding were dropped as part of his plea deal. Busch was also ordered to complete 24 hours of community service and pay associated fees.
In a recent statement, Busch commented:
“I take full responsibility for my recent DWI arrest and deeply regret my actions. I voluntarily completed a pre-trial assessment and followed all recommendations ahead of my court date. I’m committed to making amends, ensuring this never happens again, and returning to racing with a renewed focus. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.”
As TMZ reported, Kurt Busch received a 60-day suspended jail sentence with a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty this week to DWI. He was arrested Aug. 14 in NC after being stopped for speeding and a breath test registered a BAC of 0.17. Busch statement: pic.twitter.com/cEIVLYg82x
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 1, 2024
Busch had posted to social media at the time of his arrest, writing:
“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,” he added.
