NASCAR suspends Kurt Busch indefinitely

Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

In a stunning move just two days before the season-opening Daytona 500, NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch indefinitely on Friday after a judge said the former champion almost surely strangled and beat an ex-girlfriend last fall and there was a “substantial likelihood” of more domestic violence from him in the future.

NASCAR said Busch would not be allowed to race or participate in any NASCAR activities until further notice given the “serious nature of the findings and conclusions” made by the Delaware judge.

“Kurt Busch and his Stewart-Haas Racing team are fully aware of our position and why this decision was made,” the series said in a statement. “We will continue to respect the process and timetable of the authorities involved.”

Busch attorney Rusty Hardin said the driver will appeal, and NASCAR said it will be expedited.

But Busch will not race Sunday in the Daytona 500 no matter the outcome of the suspended driver’s appeal with NASCAR.

Regan Smith will drive the No. 41 Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing.

SHR said it would make a decision on future races after Daytona.

Reddick wins Truck opener

Tyler Reddick won the season-opening Truck Series race Friday night at Daytona International Speedway.

Reddick held the lead down the stretch in the 100-lap race, giving team owner Brad Keselowski a win. It nearly was a 1-2 finish for Brad Keselowski Racing.

Teammate Austin Theriault was tucked in behind Reddick on the final lap, but Erik Jones pulled to the outside and beat him to the finish line.