As police investigate whether he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, NASCAR will permit Kurt Busch to race.
Despite a plea from a U.S. Representative to park Kurt Busch, NASCAR chairman Brian France said no disciplinary action will be taken against the former Cup champion, who is being investigated for a domestic abuse allegation.
In a letter sent to NASCAR president Mike Helton and Busch's team, Stewart-Haas Racing, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) wrote: "Your response to these serious allegations has been totally inadequate.''
Dover, Del. police confirmed last week an investigation is ongoing for a Sept. 26 incident involving Busch and ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll at Dover International Speedway. According to documents obtained by the Associated Press, Busch is alleged to have smashed Driscoll's head against a wall in his motorhome three times.
"The charges are horrifying, and NASCAR's inaction sends a clear signal to drivers that owners do not take these violent actions seriously," Speier said.
"This isn't the first time that Mr. Busch's anger management issues have been brought to NASCAR's attention: he was suspended after threatening a reporter there in June 2012. How is it that NASCAR can take action when a reporter is threatened, and not when a woman is physically assaulted?"
Although no charges have been filed, Speier wants Busch suspended until the investigation is completed. The Sprint Cup Series runs its final race of the season Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 2015 season begins Feb. 22 at Daytona International Speedway.
Speier wants NASCAR to amend its policy on domestic violence until "criminal proceedings end or there is clear lackof evidence.''
NASCAR did not suspend driver Travis Kvapil after being charged with false imprisonment and assault for dragging his wife by her hair into a bedroom and striking her in an Oct. 8, 2013 incident at their home. Kvapil later pled guilty to the charges with a plea dealing that dismisses the case after two years of probation.
The NFL recently strengthened its policy on domestic violence after a high-profile case where video showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée, who is now his wife, in an Atlantic City casino elevator.
In his annual season-ending news conference Friday, France acknowledged NASCAR is monitoring the situation and officials have spoken with Busch. NASCAR, though, will not take any action until the investigation is concluded.
"If charges are filed, that will change our equation, and we will look at that," France said. "We realize the heightened awareness of this important topic, and our policies will reflect that as we go down -- they'll reflect how serious it is.
"But we ought to have a process that gets to the bottom of the facts before anybody does anything."
In a statement to SB Nation, Busch's attorney, Rusty Hardin, called the allegations a "complete fabrication" and were driven by a "woman who has refused to accept the end of a relationship."
There is no timetable on when the investigation will conclude. In a statement to SB Nation, Dover police say they have yet to speak with Busch and "are working with Mr. Busch and his legal team to determine a time to speak with Mr. Busch."