SALISBURY, N.C. – Carson Ware, the son of NASCAR team owner Rick Ware, was arrested early Wednesday morning on multiple charges.
Ware was charged with three misdemeanors, including assault on a female, simple assault and injury to personal property. He was scheduled to compete in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Kansas Speedway in the No. 17 entry fielded by SS Green Light Racing and owned by Bobby Dotter.
As a result of the arrest, SS Green Light Racing officials announced Wednesday evening that they have suspended Ware indefinitely. Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 17 Saturday at Kansas Speedway.
“This morning we became aware of a situation that involved Carson Ware,” the team said in a statement. “Upon further information, we have indefinitely suspended Carson Ware as a driver at SS Green Light Racing. We are taking this matter very seriously and will continue to monitor the situation as facts come to light.”
Rick Ware Racing officials also released a statement following Ware’s arrest.
“While I am frustrated by the actions of Carson, I am even more disappointed for Bobby Dotter and his entire team,” Rick Ware Racing officials said in the statement. “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.”
Ware, 21, has made nine Xfinity Series starts in the last two years, including six this season. He has a best finish of 20th, which came last year at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.
UPDATE: NASCAR officials indefinitely suspended Ware Thursday morning following his arrest Wednesday. In the penalty report released by NASCAR, Ware was suspended for violation of Section 12.8.1.e in the Member Conduct Guidelines of the NASCAR Rule Book.
That section states, “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.”