Retired NASCAR driver Kurt Busch was arrested for drunk driving on Tuesday (Aug. 13) in North Carolina.
The racing legend, who announced his retirement from Cup Series racing last August, was pulled over in Iredell County, just north of Charlotte. According to local NBC affiliate WCNC, Busch was stopped by trooper for driving recklessly and going 63 mph in a 45 mph zone.
He was also flagged for suspicion of driving impaired, and a sobriety test revealed that his blood alcohol concentration level was .17, roughly double the legal limit of .08.
Deputy Zalepka tells Iredell Free News that Busch “admitted to drinking prior to driving,” and that he had “red glassy eyes” when he was pulled over, as well as “a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath.”
The 46-year-old former pro driver was arrested and booked into the Iredell County Detention Center on speeding, reckless driving and DWI charges. He was released at 2:36 AM Wednesday morning on the condition of a written promise to appear in court, and his court date is set for Sept. 19. His license has been revoked for 30 days.
On Wednesday, Busch released a statement. “I’m very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, my racing family and my fans,” he said. “I will work with the authorities to rectify the situation and work with the county to make it a safer place in the future.”
Over the course of his two-decade-plus career, Busch won 34 NASCAR Cup Series races, and he was the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion. His brother, Kyle Busch, is also a NASCAR legend.
This week’s arrest was the second time that Busch has been stopped for reckless driving charges. Back in 2005, he was pulled over on suspicion of driving impaired in Arizona. At that time, he was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.
Carena Liptak is an Associate Editor and staff writer at Taste of Country. She specializes in breaking country music news, interviews and lists. In particular, she’s got a soft spot for sad songs — check out her roundup of the 50 Saddest Country Songs of All Time!
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