NASCAR rejects Kurt Busch's appeal against suspension

The 2004 Cup champion was suspended on Friday - two days before the season-opening Daytona 500 - following the release of civil court findings that stated he strangled his ex-partner Patricia Driscoll and "smashed her head" into a motorhome wall during an argument at the Dover NASCAR event last September.

Busch appealed against NASCAR's decision, but a three-person panel upheld the verdict.

A statement from NASCAR said: "Upon hearing the testimony, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel decided that the appellant violated the rules set forth in the penalty notice.

"The panel therefore decided to uphold the original penalty assessed by NASCAR."

INDYCAR MONITORING CASE

IndyCar says that it is monitoring the situation ahead of any possible effort by the 2004 Cup champion to register with the series.

Busch made one IndyCar start last year when he contested the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosport as part of an attempt at the Indy/Charlotte double.

A statement from the series said that it was yet to receive any application for registration from Busch, but confirmed that any domestic abuse conviction would be covered by its rules regarding personal conduct.

"IndyCar has not received an application for membership from Kurt Busch, and have no indication that he intends to apply," the statement said.

"The series takes domestic violence very seriously, and its rules (including rule 2.11.3) provide the basis of authority to address personal conduct.

"IndyCar is monitoring this situation as it evolves. We will act firmly and strongly in responding to all matters of domestic violence."