NASCAR suspended part-time Xfinity Series driver Carson Ware following his arrest on charges of assaulting a woman in North Carolina.
NASCAR officials cited a violation of Section 12.8.1.e in the member conduct guidelines of the NASCAR rule book, which includes “being charged with or convicted of significant criminal violations.”
Ware, 21, was given a $1,000 bond by the Rowan County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and faces charges of assault on a woman, simple assault and damage to personal property.
He had been scheduled to compete in Saturday’s Xfinity race at Kansas Speedway for SS Green Light Racing, which also suspended Ware on Wednesday. Garrett Smithley was named as a replacement driver for the No. 17 Chevrolet.
“We are taking this matter very seriously as the facts come to light,” read a statement from SS Green Light Racing.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to reports of a physical disturbance in progress at the home of Ware’s co-worker, Kenneth Evans, at about 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. They found Ware in his socks and underwear with blood on his face and a swollen lip.
Evans and his wife, Melissa, told police Ware had been staying there while recovering “from some recent rehab” and he came home “very intoxicated and belligerent.” The couple said Ware became violent toward Melissa and “pushed her and slapped her.” They returned to their bedroom, locked the door and called 911.
Police discovered damage to several paintings and a bedroom door as well as two shattered flat-screen TVs at the residence.
Ware has a court date scheduled for Nov. 19.
Ware has competed in six Xfinity races this season. His father, Rick Ware, issued a statement through his racing team’s social media on Wednesday night.
“This morning I was notified of a situation that involved Carson Ware,” read the statement from Rick Ware Racing. “At this time, Carson has been indefinitely suspended by SS Green Light Racing and NASCAR.
“While I am frustrated by the actions of Carson, I am even more disappointed for (Green Light founder) Bobby Dotter and his entire team. Bobby has been a great ally through the years, and I hate to see SS Green Light Racing under scrutiny due to actions that do not reflect the reputation and image that Bobby has worked hard to uphold over the years. My hope is that Carson will get the help that he needs during this difficult time.”
–Field Level Media
