By Seth Eggert, Associate Editor
NASCAR Cup Series driver Cody Ware was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR officials on Monday following his arrest in Iredell County, North Carolina.
Ware missed the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway for ‘personal reasons,’ as his father’s team, Rick Ware Racing, stated in a press release. Matt Crafton filled in for the 27-year-old at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Track. The team asked for privacy regarding Cody Ware’s situation and status.
The day after the Cup race, as first reported by Iredell Free News, Ware has been charged with an alleged felony assault following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. As of the writing of this article, the Greensboro, N.C. native is has bonded out of the Iredell County Detention Center.
Ware has 97 career Cup starts. His best finish was sixth in last year’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
UPDATE:
Rick Ware Racing released the following statement after the indefinite suspension was announced by NASCAR.
“We are aware of the incident regarding Cody Ware and his indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition. 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. RWR is committed to continuing our multi-car efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series and is in the process of finalizing our plans for the No. 51 entry at Martinsville Speedway, and beyond.
“These plans will be announced in the coming days.”
Ware is currently still listed as being in the No. 51 Ford Mustang on the entry list for the NOCO 400. The entry blanks are submitted in advance each weekend. Ware’s replacement will be announced at a later date.