No criminal charges for Kurt Busch

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Kurt Busch will not face criminal charges for his role in an alleged assault of former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll last September at Dover International Speedway.

The Delaware Department of Justice issued the following statement on Thursday morning, conluding its months-long investigation of the incident:

"The Delaware Department of Justice has carefully reviewed the complaint made of an alleged act of domestic violence involving Kurt Busch in Dover on Sept. 26, 2014, which was reported to the Dover Police Department on Nov. 5, 2014 and investigated. After a thorough consideration of all of the available information about the case, it is determined that the admissible evidence and available witnesses would likely be insufficient to meet the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Busch committed a crime during the Sept. 26 incident. Likelihood of meeting that high burden of proof is the standard for prosecutors in bringing a case. For this reason, the Department of Justice will not pursue criminal charges in this case."

Busch issued the following statement following the Delaware DoJ's announcement of its decision:

"I am grateful that the prosecutors in Delaware listened, carefully considered the evidence, and after a thorough investigation decided to not file criminal charges against me. I wish to thank my family, friends, fans, and race team who stood by me throughout this nightmare with their unwavering support.

"Thanks also goes to my legal team for making sure that the truth got out and was fully provided to the prosecutors. As I have said from the beginning, I did not commit domestic abuse. I look forward to being back in racing as soon as possible and moving on with my life."

Last month, Kent County (Delaware) Court Commissioner David Jones ruled in favor of Driscoll's request for a no-contact order, which stipulates that for the next year Busch must stay 100 yards away from Driscoll except for "at NASCAR races and related events where closer proximity is required" for Busch to "perform his duties as a driver or sponsored athlete." Also Busch can't buy or possess firearms or ammunition for the next year and must be evaluated for "mental health problems related to anger control and impulse control."

Busch, who was suspended by NASCAR following the commissioner's ruling, has begun the reinstatement process stipulated by the sanctioning body. NASCAR released a statement late Thursday afternoon affirming that Busch's suspension remains in effect, but that the Delaware attorney general's decision removes a hurdle to Busch's possible reinstatement.

"NASCAR is aware of the Delaware Department of Justice announcement today regarding driver Kurt Busch," the statement read. "As we disclosed Monday, he has accepted the terms and conditions of a reinstatement program and is actively participating in the program. Kurt Busch's eligibility for reinstatement will continue to be governed by that program and the NASCAR Rule Book, though the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges certainly removes a significant impediment to his reinstatement."