NASCAR To Kurt Busch: 'Keep The Drunk Driving On The Racetrack'

PHOENIX—Nextel Cup Series driver Kurt Busch, who was detained on suspicion of driving drunk and cited for reckless driving near Phoenix International Raceway last Friday, has been sternly warned by NASCAR to “save the drunk driving for the racetrack.” NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, who said Kurt “was only given a standard traffic ticket as far as we know,” also noted that, as far as NASCAR higher-ups were concerned, reckless driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol should be saved for race day. “We built our reputation for family-friendly motor-sports entertainment on three things: sponsorships, crashes, and high-speed danger,” Hunter said. “Drunk driving is good for all three, as long as it stays on the racetrack where it belongs.” The makers of Crown Royal, who sponsor Busch’s Nextel Cup car, say they may consider removing their sponsorship from the series if they find evidence that drivers have been driving drunk outside of NASCAR-sanctioned race events.