Busch Reinstated By NASCAR, Driscoll Worried For Busch

NASCAR announced today that, effectively immediately, the indefinite suspension of Kurt Busch has been lifted. Exgirlfriend Patrica Driscoll says that she is worried for him.

He is eligible to return to NASCAR racing 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.

Just days before the 2015 Daytona 500, NASCAR suspended the 2004 Cup champion indefinitely on Feb. 20. The decision came after a Delaware judge issued a no-contact order for Busch. The statement stated that Busch would "likely" committed an act of domestic abuse against his former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll stemming from an incident Sept. 26, 2014 at Dover International Speedway.

“I understand why NASCAR needed to take the action that it did,” Kurt Busch stated after the announcement. “This is a very serious issue. The way that NASCAR reacted, it was different than what we had been told all along. They were more focused on the criminal side, as were we, but the commissioner's ruling was not necessarily what was the important factor here.

“The important factor is that what I was accused of was a complete fabrication,” Busch added. “I never wavered through this whole process because of the confidence in the truth, and I had the support from Gene Haas and everybody at SHR, and that's where my focus has been.”

The 'Outlaw' monicker will probably be a thing of the past.

“As I move forward, I'm putting my signature above the door of the car,” Busch informed the media. “I'm proud to have my signature on the side of a car that Gene Haas has and to carry his name into victory lane.”

NASCAR also lifted the requirement for Busch that a driver must compete in all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Driscoll stated Wednesday that she is concerned for Busch.

Patricia Driscoll statement:

"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."

When he will return to the driver's seat is still in question.