FROM STAFF REPORTS
An Iredell County magistrate revoked retired NASCAR driver Kurt Busch’s driver’s license for 30 days on Wednesday following Busch’s arrest on DWI, careless and reckless driving, and speeding charges.
Busch, 46, was pulled over for speeding at 11:32 p.m. Tuesday after an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy clocked his 2024 Lexus at 63 mph in a 45-mph zone on Brawley School Road, according to court documents. The ICSO has been conducting speed checks in the area because of citizen complaints, Sheriff Darren Campbell told Iredell Free News.
Deputy Zalepka reported that Busch, who lives off Pine Meadow Lane in Mooresville, “had red glassy eyes” and “a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath,” according to court records. “Defendant admitted to drinking prior to driving.”
An N.C. Highway Patrol trooper who responded to assist with the traffic stop later charged Busch with driving while impaired after his blood-alcohol concentration registered 0.17 percent, court records show. The legal limit for impaired driving in North Carolina is .08 percent.
Busch was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was released about 2:36 a.m. Wednesday on a signed promise to appear in court on September 19.
In a statement released later Wednesday, Busch apologized for the incident.
“I’m very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, my racing family, and to my fans. I will work with the authorities to rectify the situation and work with the county to make it a safer place in the future,” he said in the statement.
Busch was cited for reckless driving after he was pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Maricopa County, Ariz., in November of 2005. He was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service in that case.
A native of Las Vegas, Busch announced he was retiring from the NASCAR Cup Series last August.
During his 23-year Cup career, he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Phoenix Racing, Penske Racing, and Roush Racing. He won 34 Cup races and his career earnings topped $90 million.
Twice the legal limit!
Okay, and? You’re not the judge or prosecutor in this case. Let the man have his day in court.
Probally so.
So, are we posting every single person who gets a DUI or just celebrities?
I totally agree with you ! It’s so sad how the press wants to bring up the past and ruin peoples name. Your brother from the report was honest and up front . So sad that they have to bring out the past. Your brother is great person and will get through this just by having his family behind him. My heart goes out but he too will prevail from this!
He’s human, humans make mistakes, humans learn from their mistakes, or they end up in jail. Give him a chance to learn from this and hopefully this might prevent another human from a similar mistake.
You are right, but I feel very differently when it comes to driving drunk. Everyone knows it is wrong. Far too many lives have been lost due to individuals driving drunk. There simply is no excuse for it. He is not an immature 20ish year old. I really hope he gets the help he needs.
He had a chance. Last time he got caught. And surely you don’t be this is just one time event. It’s just the next time he was CAUGHT.
Always seems like it’s a witch-hunt against Kurt.
Poor Kurt. I wonder who forced him to drink all that alcohol and then made him get in his car to speed down Brawley School Road at 20 mph over the limit?
Thank you, Deputy Zalepka, for keeping our streets safe.
DWI is what got Kurt in trouble with Roush when Crown Royale was his sponsor.
It is always something with the Busch guys. Leave them alone. This type stuff happens every day.
At least it wasn’t Bubba Wallace. That would be an entirely different story.
Not a news story when Joe Blow gets a DUI
Was he drinking Busch?
Well, his last name is actually Busch (just like the beer). Just say’n
Now both brothers have been arrested on Brawley School Road.
If you have ever driven on Brawley School Road, the traffic averages 60 mph! There are always drivers exceeding the limit. I have seen sheriff’s deputies out there on many occasions and not pulling over drivers who have passed me going well over the limit. Sorry, Kurt had the lapse of reason to drink, drive and speed. Hope he makes good on his statement to help with safety improvements.
Good thing he didn’t cause any accidents. Second time stopped for drinking while driving. He didn’t learn the first time. Maybe alcohol counseling should be a requirement to getting his license back.
Bet money he will not be paying or fined what regular “Joe’s would be… that’s the only problem I see.
Everyone has Rules to follow …but I hope he wasn’t Targeted???
Thing is accident or not. People get overserved all the time and then drive. Yes, he got caught and can learn from it, but the system is rigged and in NC this will hang over his head the rest of his life. Admitting to drinking also will have him being guilty in court. DUI on your record FOREVER.
Haha 63 in a 45…that aint reckless….His little brother got clocked at 120 in a 45 in the same county a few years ago…although Kyle hadn’t been drinking.
But nothing was done to him but a slap on the wrist. Two sets of rules!
I bet this is one of those 45 mph zones where the flow of traffic is closer to 55 mph.