NASCAR Cup Series driver Cody Ware was arrested and charged with felony assault by strangulation inflicting serious injury, resulting in his indefinite suspension by NASCAR, according to Fox News.
Ware was arrested in his home state of North Carolina around 10:30 a.m. on April 10, 2023, and charged with misdemeanor assault on a female in addition to the felony charge. Ware was later released on a $3,000 bond.
The arrest reportedly stems from an alleged domestic violence incident that took place in Mooresville, N.C., just before midnight on April 3, 2023.
It was originally reported that the driver would miss his most recent race to “focus on a personal matter,” according to a statement by his team, Rick Ware Racing. The racing team, which is owned by the 27-year-old’s father, released a statement on Twitter regarding the matter.
“We are aware of the incident regarding Cody Ware and his indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition. We understand NASCAR’s position on this matter and accept their decision,” the racing team said.
“The matter is still under investigation and Cody is fully cooperating with the authorities, as due process takes its course. [Rick Ware Racing] is committed to continuing our multi-car efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series and is in the process of finalizing our plans for the No. 51 entry at Martinsville Speedway, and beyond,” they added.
According to ESPN, there were no weapons involved in the incident, and details of the assault have not been made available because it was a domestic violence situation.
Ware is currently ranked 31st in the Cup Series standings. He has raced in the series since 2017. His best finish is sixth place over 97 career races.
The driver made just one comment on Twitter on the date of the alleged incident, replying to a screenshot of an old NASCAR video game just hours before the alleged assault took place.
This incident comes just a couple of months after a different high-profile arrest connected with the racing series. One of NASCAR’s biggest stars, Kyle Busch, was arrested in Mexico in early 2023 for “carrying a firearm without a license,” resulting in a fine of just over $1,000.
Busch revealed the charge upon his return to the United States, stating that he has a “valid concealed carry permit” and that he adheres “to all handgun laws” in general.
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