NASCAR indefinitely suspended driver Carson Ware after his arrest Wednesday morning.
Rowan County (North Carolina) records show that the 21-year-old was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault on a female, simple assault and injury to personal property. Bond was set at $1,000. His court date is Nov. 19.
Ware is the son of car owner Rick Ware and the brother of driver Cody Ware.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office issued a release Thursday that detailed the incident.
Ware had been staying with Kenneth Evans, a co-worker at Rick Ware Racing, and Evans’ wife, Melissa Katsamperis.
A release states that deputies were dispatched at 2:30 a.m. ET Wednesday. As they approached the front door, they could hear loud banging from inside the residence. Looking through the glass by the front door, they observed broken glass and clothes scattered across the floor. Ware later peeked out the window and was asked to step outside, which he did. Deputies reported that Ware had blood on his face and a swollen lip. He was cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car, according to the release.
The release states that Evans and Katsamperis said that Ware had returned to their residence earlier that evening and was “very intoxicated and belligerent.” The release states that Evans told Ware to go to bed several times, but he became violent. Katsamperis, according to the release, stated that Ware pushed her and slapped her in the face and that Evans came to her defense. Evans and Katsamperis went to their bedroom, locked the door and she called 911.
After entering the house, deputies observed several broken paintings, the bedroom door frame busted and two flat screen TVs that were broken.
Carson Ware was to have driven in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race for SS Green Light Racing. It was to have been his seventh series start this season.
Garrett Smithley will replace Ware for SS Green Light Racing.
The team issued a statement that read: “This morning we became aware of a situation that involved Carson Ware. Upon further information, we have indefinitely suspended Carson Ware as a driver at SS Green Light Racing. We are taking this matter very seriously as the facts come to light. At this time, Garrett Smithley will be the driver for the No. 17 entry at Kansas Speedway.
Rick Ware issued a statement on social media that said: “While I am frustrated by the actions of Carson, I am even more disappointed for Bobby Dotter and his entire team. Bobby has been a great ally through the years, and I hate to see SS Green Light Racing under scrutiny due to actions that do not reflect the reputation and image that Bobby has worked hard to uphold over the years. My hope is that Carson will get the help that he needs during this difficult time.”
Section 12.8.1.e of NASCAR’s Rule Book states that a NASCAR member can receive an indefinite suspension for:
- Being charged with or convicted of significant criminal violations (e.g. Domestic Violence, Trafficking, Assault), or having had determinations rendered by criminal or civil authorities that in NASCAR’s judgement necessitate action. NASCAR will not pre-judge guilt or innocence in the criminal or civil legal system, or the guilt or innocence of the Member, but rather review each matter in its own context and circumstances and with regards to its potential effects upon the sport.
— Rick Ware Racing (@RickWareRacing) October 21, 2021
