“Starting the weekend off”: Kurt Busch hits the racetrack amid suspended jail sentence for DWI

Days after hinting at a return to NASCAR, Kurt Busch visited a racetrack amid his suspended jail sentence for Driving While Impaired (DWI). The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion was arrested a few months back for driving under the heavy influence of alcohol, more than double the permissible limit in North Carolina.

Busch joined the newly formed 23XI Racing in 2022 but called it quits following a brutal crash during the qualifying at the Pocono Raceway. Though he foresaw running the 2023 season, the severe implications prompted the Daytona 500 champion to end his NASCAR career.

According to reports, on August 14, the former driver was caught overspeeding his Lexus by 18 mph on Brawley School Road. As a result, he was pulled over by the officer on duty. Busch's glassy eyes and strong alcohol odor prompted the officer to conduct a sobriety test, and the champion failed miserably. His blood alcohol levels were recorded as 0.17%, while the limit was 0.08%.

Thus, he was arrested on the spot and presented in court the next day, where his license was reportedly suspended for 30 days. Busch was given a sentence for three counts: reckless driving, overspeeding, and DWI. However, he entered a deal to plead guilty to DWI to waive other charges. The former driver accepted it and was put on a 60-day suspended jail sentence.

Busch also hinted about his return in the 'full responsibility' message he delivered while entering the plea.

Days after the incident, the veteran driver visited the racetrack for a session with Ronnie Mund from The Howard Stern Show. Notably, the Dodges were Radford Racing School's property, indicating the track visit was a part of Busch's probation.

"Starting the weekend off right with fast cars and good people! @rmlimodriver69," Kurt Busch expressed his feelings.

Busch hailed Mund as the best driver coach on his racetrack day following his driving school stint.

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Kurt Busch hints at NASCAR return in his recent social media update

Kurt Busch got cut off from the community as he was embroiled in the rigorous aftermath of drunk driving. Over 90 days after the incident, he shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), in which he was signing on the photos of his memorable race moments for the fans.

Busch said he reflected on himself and his priorities during the three-month time and praised the community for their support while expressing about having fun times again. Moreover, the 46-year-old's concluding comment upheld his NASCAR return hint from the plea deal.

"What's going on, race fans? I know it's been a while, but thank you so much for the support over the years and even this year with everything going on. It's great to roll down memory lane with everyone's cards, photos, and the letter you guys write...thank you. Anytime I take my hat off in the driver intros, it is to say thank you race fans,” Busch said.

Driver intros are for those who take part in the respective NASCAR race. And Kurt Busch's emphasis hints at the champion's return on track.