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April 10, 2023

NASCAR officials issue indefinite suspension to Cody Ware after arrest


NASCAR officials issued an indefinite suspension of Cup Series driver Cody Ware on Monday.

The Iredell County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office listed Ware in its jail records Monday, indicating he was held on a felony charge of “assault by strangulation — inflict serious injury” and a misdemeanor charge of “assault on female.” The sheriff’s records also indicated Ware’s bond was set at $3,000 after his arrest.

Ware sat out this weekend’s event at Bristol Motor Speedway’s dirt track, with Rick Ware Racing — the Cup Series’ team owned by his father — releasing a statement Saturday morning that the 27-year-old driver had stepped away “to focus on a personal matter.” Craftsman Truck Series regular Matt Crafton substituted for Ware in the No. 51 Ford, finishing 34th after an engine failure.

An update to the entry list Wednesday morning showed that Truck Series champion Zane Smith will drive the No. 51 car in Sunday’s Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. It will mark Smith’s fourth Cup Series start.

Rick Ware Racing published a statement Monday afternoon confirming the news and suspension.

https://twitter.com/RickWareRacing/status/1645531042617368578

Ware has raced in the Cup Series since 2017. His best finish in 97 career starts is sixth place last August at Daytona International Speedway.

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