Busch drops appeal of probation ruling

Investigation continues on assault complaint

Kurt Busch announced Wednesday that he would not appeal a NASCAR decision to put him on probation through Dec. 31 following an altercation with driver Jimmy Spencer last weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

	Kurt Busch

Busch and Spencer's cars made contact on the racetrack during the GFS Marketplace 400. According to in-car radio transmissions made public Monday, Busch radioed his crew on pit road and said he had intentionally hit Spencer's car.

Spencer's crew monitored these transmissions by scanner. Following the race, Busch said his car ran out of gas in the garage area and Busch parked the car behind Spencer's hauler.

When Spencer arrived at his hauler, he exited his car and engaged in a verbal exchange with Busch. Witnesses said Spencer leaned his elbows on the windowsill of Busch's car, with his head in the window exchanging words.

Spencer contends after Busch swore at him, he struck him with an open palm, which bloodied Busch's nose and, according to Busch, caused other facial injuries.

Busch immediately filed a complaint with the Lenawee County Sheriff's Department charging Spencer with assault. That investigation continued on Wednesday, according to a spokesman with the Sheriff's Department.

ALSO  Instead of driving in all three races at Bristol this week, Jimmy Spencer won't be in any of them. His appeal of a one-week suspension following Sunday's post-race altercation with Kurt Busch was denied Wednesday.  •  Complete story, click here

"When the investigation is completed, it will be forwarded to the Lenawee County Prosecutor's Office for review," a Sheriff's Department report said. "The Prosecutor's Office will then decide if charges will be brought against Spencer."

Busch's decision not to appeal was announced even as the National Stock Car Racing Commission met on the grounds of Bristol Motor Speedway and decided to uphold NASCAR's penalties to Spencer, which included suspension from NASCAR-sanctioned events through Aug. 26, a $25,000 fine and probation through Dec. 31.

"My decision is being made even though no one to our knowledge has ever been penalized for being struck while seated in a race car," Busch said. "I am accepting this penalty regardless of whether or not it is fair or appropriate.

"My motivation in accepting it is simply to demonstrate to NASCAR and to the fans my continuing commitment to race hard, my continuing commitment to race clean and my continuing commitment to obey all the rules.

"This penalty has not and will not affect that commitment. And, my commitment will not be affected by the outcome of Jimmy Spencer's appeal."