NASCAR reinstates Kurt Busch and grants him waiver for Chase

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR lifted its suspension of Kurt Busch today and ruled the former champion can compete in the title Chase should he qualify.

Busch missed the first three races of the season when NASCAR suspended him over an alleged domestic assault on his ex-girlfriend, but the Delaware attorney general last week declined to charge him for the September incident with Patricia Driscoll.

NASCAR said Busch remains under indefinite probation, but had complied with its reinstatement requirements.

"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," NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said.

O'Donnell said when it became clear Busch would not be charged, it "removed a significant impediment" to his reinstatement.

"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 said.

Busch will return to his Stewart-Haas Racing team this weekend at Phoenix.