Team owner Gene Haas was noncommittal whether Kurt Busch, indefinitely suspended by NASCAR, would have a ride with Stewart-Haas Racing when he returns.
Team owner has questions about Kurt Busch’s potential return
The co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing addressed Kurt Busch’s suspension and his possible return.
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Haas hinted the deciding factor is if Busch is granted a waiver and maintains championship eligibility. Under NASCAR exemptions, drivers can miss races and still qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Last season Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart were each granted exemptions.
“At this time that’s really up to NASCAR,” Haas said Sunday. “Some of our concerns are, obviously, if he does come back, can we get in the Chase? But those issues really now kind of reside with NASCAR.”
Busch was suspended Feb. 20 following a Delaware Family Court commissioner issuing a no-order against him sought by ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll and determining Busch “more likely than not” committed domestic assault.
Driscoll alleges Busch grabbed her by the throat and slammed her head off the wall in his motor home Sept. 26 at Dover International Speedway. The Delaware Attorney General’s office declined to charge Busch Thursday.
While serving his suspension, Busch has missed the opening three races of the season. SHR named Regan Smith to drive the No. 41 car during Busch’s absence. There is no timetable on when the 2004 Cup Series champion may return.
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