Kurt Busch releases statement after arrest for drunk driving

Former NASCAR champion Kurt Busch was arrested in North Carolina earlier this week for drunk driving, among other charges.

He has since made a statement about the incident.

“I am very disappointed in myself and apologize to my family, my racing family and 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.”

The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Monday night when he was stopped driving 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. The Iredell County deputy at the scene said Busch had “glassy red eyes” and a “strong odor of alcohol on his breath,” the Iredell Free Press learned. He later admitted to drinking alcohol before driving.

He was also accused of reckless driving and speeding.

Busch's blood alcohol concentration was 0.17, which was over the legal limit of 0.08. He was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center and released early Tuesday morning.

His court date is scheduled for September 19.

Busch has been retired from NASCAR since retiring from full-time racing in 2022 due to health concerns. He officially retired nearly a year ago after having one of the most successful careers during his time on the track, which included a championship title and 34 career victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, as well as the Rookie of the Year Award in 2000. Along with his brother Kyle, they are the most successful brothers in NASCAR history.

“I've always had one dream and I've pursued it every day with 100% of my personality. Racing at the highest level of NASCAR has always been my dream. Just ask the blue collar boy from Las Vegas who always just wanted a chance. I spent 23 years living my dream and it was one hell of a ride for that boy from Nevada,” Busch said in his farewell video.

After announcing his retirement, Busch was honored at the NASCAR Awards in December. He was emotional as the honors poured in. Even in retirement, Busch still maintains a relationship with 23XI Racing. He has also traveled the world, from F1 races to the Isle of Man to Chicago Cubs games.

Before the Chicago Street Race earlier this year sang the seventh inning stretch at Wrigley Field, where he is an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs.