NASCAR’s Kurt Busch under investigation for alleged domestic assault

NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is being investigated for alleged domestic assault, the Dover (Del.) Police Department said Friday.

Police did not identify the alleged victim, whom they said brought the allegations to authorities Wednesday, the police said.

“At this time, the department is still investigating the victim’s claims,” the police said, adding the department would not have additional comment at this time.

The Associated Press reported that the alleged victim was Busch’s ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll, and that the allegations involved an incident in Busch’s motor home at a race. NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series raced in Dover on Sept. 28.

In addition, the Armed Forces Foundation -- a group that helps military families and veterans that’s headed by Driscoll -- issued a statement of support to Driscoll.

Pat LaFrieda, co-chairman of the foundation’s board, requested in the statement that “Ms. Driscoll’s privacy be respected” and said the foundation “has suspended its association with Mr. Busch.”

Busch, who drives for the Stewart-Haas Racing team, had not been charged and was in his car practicing Friday at Phoenix International Raceway ahead of Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race. At one point Busch was the fastest driver in practice.

After practice, Busch walked from his car to his transporter truck in the garage without comment to reporters.

Busch’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement saying Busch “will fully cooperate” with police and “expects to be vindicated when the entire truth of the situation comes to light.”

“This allegation is a complete fabrication by a woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship and Mr. Busch vehemently denies her allegations in every respect,” Hardin said.

NASCAR spokesman Brett Jewkes said in a statement, “We recognize the seriousness of this matter and are actively gathering information from all parties, including law-enforcement authorities and Stewart-Haas Racing.

“It would be inappropriate for NASCAR to comment further on this matter until we have more information.”

Stewart-Haas spokesman Mike Arning said, “This is an allegation Stewart-Haas Racing takes very seriously, but we’re still gathering all of the facts and are not in a position to comment in greater detail.”

Busch, 36, was the Cup series champion in 2004 and has a history of run-ins on and off the track with other drivers and reporters, one of which earned him a $50,000 fine from NASCAR in 2011. Younger brother Kyle Busch also races in NASCAR.

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