According to Fox News, Cody Ware, a NASCAR Cup Series driver, was charged with felony strangulation and inflicting serious injuries.
Ware was taken into custody in North Carolina at 10:30 am on April 10, 2023. He was also charged with misdemeanor sexual assault on a woman. Ware was released later on a $3,000 bond.
According to reports, the arrest stems from an incident of domestic violence that occurred in Mooresville, N.C. just before midnight, on April 3, 2023.
According to Rick Ware Racing, it was initially reported that the driver would not be able to attend his last race due to “focus on personal matters.” The father of the 27-year-old driver owns the racing team and posted a Twitter statement regarding the matter.
“We are aware of the Cody Ware incident and his indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition. The racing team stated that they understood NASCAR’s position and accepted their decision.”
“The matter remains under investigation. Cody is fully cooperating as the due process proceeds. Rick Ware Racing is determined to continue our multi-car NASCAR Cup Series efforts and is currently finalizing our plans regarding the No. They added that the No. 51 entry at Martinsville Speedway was a must-see for all drivers.”
ESPN reports that there were no weapons involved in this incident. Details of the assault are not available due to domestic violence.
Ware currently ranks 31st in Cup Series standings. Since 2017, Ware has been racing in the Cup Series. His best finish is sixth place over 97 career races.
Only one tweet was made by the driver on Twitter about the incident. He replied to a screenshot from an old NASCAR videogame just hours before the alleged assault.
This arrest comes only a few months after another high-profile one in connection with the racing series. Kyle Busch was one of NASCAR’s most prominent stars. He was charged with “carrying a firearm without a license” in Mexico and was fined just over $1,000.
Busch, upon his return from the United States, revealed that he had a valid concealed carry permit and that he adheres to all handgun laws.
