NASCAR driver Kurt Busch under investigation for domestic assault

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is under investigation for domestic assault, Dover (Del.) Police Department announced in a statement Friday.

The incident in question was brought to the attention of police on Nov. 5 and an investigation of the victim’s claim was immediately opened. Busch’s ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, told the Associated Press the alleged incident occurred inside Busch’s motorhome at a race. NASCAR competed at Dover International Speedway Sept. 26-28.

According to the Associated Press, Driscoll has filed court documents seeking a restraining order against Busch preventing him from seeing or contacting her. Driscoll is also asking the court to order Busch to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and be evaluated by a certified domestic violence treatment agency.

In the documents filed Wednesday, Driscoll alleges Busch was upset Sept. 26 following a poor qualifying run. He accused her of “having spies everywhere and having a camera on the bus to watch him.” Dover is the first elimination race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which Busch qualified for via a March victory at Martinsville Speedway.

“He was verbally abusive to her and said he wished he had a gun so that he could kill himself,” the documents say. According to the Associated Press, Busch then grabbed Driscoll’s face and smashed her head three times against the wall. Driscoll pushed Busch away, escaping to a nearby motorhome. She said the assault caused her severe pain, difficulty breathing and bruising on her neck.

A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 2.

Dover police have no timetable on when the investigation will conclude, telling SB Nation they have only a “general idea.”

“At this time, the department is still investigating the victim’s claims and will not have any further comment on this matter in order to preserve the integrity of the case,” a police statement said. “The Dover Police Department will release further information as it becomes available. We appreciate the public’s and media’s patience in this matter and are confident that the department is taking the proper investigative steps to ensure the case is resolved appropriately.”

Busch’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, called the allegations a “complete fabrication” and said Busch was cooperating fully with authorities. Hardin most recently represented Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in a child abuse case and has previously represented several athletes including Roger Clemens, NFL Hall of Famer Warren Moon and former NBA player Steve Francis.

“The Dover Police Department has been informed that Mr. Busch will fully cooperate with their investigation and he expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light,” Hardin’s said in a statement. “This allegation is a complete fabrication by a woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship and Mr. Busch vehemently denies her allegations in every respect. At this time we intend to have no further comment in the media out of respect for the Dover Police Department’s desire to conduct a thorough investigation without a media circus.”

Busch has a history of emotional outbursts on and off the track. After arguing with a police officer and being cited for reckless driving he was suspended by Roush Fenway Racing for the final two races of the 2005 season.

In 2011, Busch was videotaped berating an ESPN reporter during the final race of the season. NASCAR fined Busch $50,000 and he subsequently lost his ride with Team Penske. The following season Busch was suspended a race for a confronting a reporter at Dover.

Busch is scheduled to compete in Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway and was practicing Friday afternoon. NASCAR is aware of the incident involving Busch, a 2004 Cup Series champion.

“We recognize the seriousness of this matter and are actively gathering information from all parties, including law enforcement authorities and Stewart-Haas Racing,” NASCAR chief communications officer Brett Jewkes said. “It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment further on this matter until we have more information.”