NASCAR reinstates Kurt Busch; Chase requirement waived

Busch addressed the media for the first time Wednesday afternoon, taking a handful of questions. He remained steadfast in his innocence and said his focus is on competition going forward, believing every bit that he could still win races and qualify for the Chase.

“What I was accused of was a complete fabrication and I never wavered through this whole process because of the confidence in the truth,” Busch said. “I had the support of Gene Haas and everyone at SHR and that’s where my focus has been in the racing side of it. I never lost that confidence and drive. It’s been a humbling experience but it’s made me more focused and determined.”

The decision to approve Busch for all NASCAR-related activity comes six days after the Delaware Attorney General’s office declined to file criminal charges against him over an alleged incident of domestic violence. The move also clears the way for Busch to return to the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 Chevrolet in time for this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.

NASCAR also waived — for the length of Busch’s suspension — the requirement that a driver must compete in all championship events of the current season to be eligible for The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

“As we stated last week, the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch‘s return to full status as a NASCAR member,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement. He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return.

“We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior.”

RELATED: NASCAR’s official release

Busch is under indefinite probation subject to additional mandatory requirements that include but are not limited to participation in a treatment program and full compliance with any judicial requirements placed upon him.

Regan Smith, a regular in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, served as interim driver of the Stewart-Haas No. 41 for the first three races of the season. Smith was originally listed Monday as the driver of the No. 41 in this Sunday’s CampingWorld.com 500 (3:30 p.m. ET, FOX) at Phoenix, but crew chief Tony Gibson thanked Smith and welcomed back Busch in a social media post.

Excited to have Kurt back in the @Haas_Automation Chevy. Can’t thank Regan enough for driving hard and keeping us up in the owners points.

— Tony Gibson (@TonyOldman41) March 11, 2015

Meanwhile, Stewart-Haas Racing released the following statement: “We appreciate the steps Kurt Busch has made while following NASCAR’s process for reinstatement. He has taken this path seriously, which allowed him to return to our race team. With his reinstatement and the conclusion by the Delaware Attorney General to not file charges, our focus is on the future.”

Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, released this statement: “Now that Kurt Busch has been reinstated by NASCAR and is able to fulfill his obligations associated with our agreement, we have lifted our suspension and will continue to monitor the situation.”

Busch was suspended Feb. 20 for two violations in the NASCAR Rule Book — Actions detrimental to stock car racing; and 12.8: Behavioral penalty — after a Delaware family court commissioner released his findings in a civil disposition, saying that a “preponderance of the evidence” indicated that Busch “committed an act of domestic violence” last September at Dover International Speedway. The penalty was upheld in two appeals heard Feb. 21.

Busch applied for reinstatement Feb. 27, agreeing to the terms and conditions set forth by NASCAR, which created the guidelines for Busch’s road back to competition based on recommendations from an outside expert.

David Higdon, NASCAR’s vice president of Integrated Marketing Communications, said last Thursday’s decision by the Delaware Department of Justice not to bring charges against Busch removed “a significant impediment” to his path back to being a NASCAR member in good standing.

Busch released a statement last Thursday commending the Delaware attorney general’s office for its decision, thanking his supporters, but also expressing his desire to return to the cockpit.

“I am grateful that the prosecutors in Delaware listened, carefully considered the evidence, and after a thorough investigation decided to not file criminal charges against me,” Busch’s statement read. “I wish to thank my family, friends, fans, and race team who stood by me throughout this nightmare with their unwavering support. Thanks also goes to my legal team for making sure that the truth got out and was fully provided to the prosecutors. As I have said from the beginning, I did not commit domestic abuse. I look forward to being back in racing as soon as possible and moving on with my life.”

Busch’s ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll released this statement regarding Wednesday’s reinstatement: “Even though Kurt remains on indefinite probation under this decision, I’m deeply concerned about the message NASCAR is sending by letting him compete for the championship after he was found by a judge to have committed an act of domestic violence. But I am gratified, at least, that NASCAR’s decision comes with the mandatory condition that he follow through on the treatment he so clearly needs. My work with the Armed Forces Foundation on veteran treatment courts has made me a strong believer in the rehabilitation process. But it has also taught me that rehabilitation takes time and can only come after you’ve taken full responsibility for your actions.

“Though this continues to be a difficult time for me, I remain committed to standing up for my integrity and seeking full justice.”

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