NASCAR suspends driver Cody Ware following his arrest on assault and strangulation charges.
Cody Ware, 27, was freed on a $3,000 bail and will appear in court in May, according to sources. On Monday, NASCAR banned Ware indefinitely following his arrest on assault charges earlier that day.
According to online records from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the 27-year-old Cup Series driver was arrested in Mooresville, North Carolina, on Monday and faces a misdemeanor charge of assaulting a female and a felony charge of assault by strangulation inflicting serious injury.
According to the Associated Press, the alleged event occurred last week at a residence in Mooresville. According to the publication, Ware was freed on a $3,000 bail after his arrest. Ware’s initial court appearance is scheduled for May 1, according to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass.
Ware’s racing company, Rick Ware Racing, said in a statement Monday that it was aware of the incident and his subsequent suspension, and that “we understand NASCAR’s position on this matter and accept their decision.”
“The matter is still under investigation and Cody is fully cooperating with the authorities, as due process takes its course,” the team’s press release stated. The team is owned by Ware’s father.
Ware sat out Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway “to focus on a personal matter,” his organization announced over the weekend, adding that the family requested “that their privacy be respected during this time.”
Matt Crafton drove Ware’s No. 51 vehicle in his place at Bristol, but was unable to complete the race due to engine problems.
Ware has been a NASCAR driver since 2017. The Greensboro, North Carolina native has never won a NASCAR race, and his best result was sixth place at Daytona International Speedway in August, according to the racing league. Ware’s average finish in 90 career starts has been 28th. He is presently placed 31st in the Cup Series standings.
Ware missed Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway “to focus on a personal matter,” his team announced over the weekend, adding that the family requested “that their privacy be respected during this time.”
Matt Crafton drove Ware’s No. 51 vehicle at Bristol, but was unable to complete due to an engine issue.
Ware has been driving in NASCAR since 2017. According to the racing league, the Greensboro, North Carolina native has never won a NASCAR race, with his best result being sixth at Daytona International Speedway in August. Ware’s average finish in 90 career starts has been about 28th. He currently sits 31st in the Cup Series standings.
