Back in April 2023, NASCAR Ford driver Cody Ware was suspended indefinitely from competition following his arrest on felony charge of “assault by strangulation – inflict serious injury” and a misdemeanor charge of “assault on female.” However, the charges have since been dropped, and Ware will be allowed to return to racing, according to a recent report from NASCAR.
“Cody Ware’s indefinite suspension has been lifted and he is approved to return to all NASCAR racing activity,” NASCAR said in a statement on December 13th, 2023. That means Ware is immediately eligible for competition and will likely return to the track for the 2024 racing season.
The charges against Ware were dropped on December 7th, 2023, by the Iredell County district attorney’s office in North Carolina. Dismissal filings stated that the prosecutors couldn’t proceed without testimony from Ware and his former girlfriend, the other party involved. Ware’s NASCAR Ford team, Rick Ware Racing (RWR), filed two civil suits against Ware’s former girlfriend, which were also dismissed.
Previously, Ware and RWR filed individual lawsuits against Ware’s former girlfriend in November, claiming that she had made false statements to police with intent to harm both parties. The lawsuit made by RWR claims that because of Ware’s arrest, the team lost $3.5 million in sponsorship revenue. Additionally, RWR alleged that it spent $300,000 on drivers to pilot the No. 51 NASCAR Ford Mustang while Ware was suspended, which included Zane Smith and Ryan Newman.
“I’ve maintained my innocence from the very beginning, even as there was a rush to judgment by others,” Ware said in a statement. “I’m glad this entire matter is behind me because it’s been an incredibly difficult eight months. With all of the allegations being dismissed, I’m thankful to have my life back.”
At this time, it’s not clear if Ware will return to the No. 51 NASCAR Ford fielded by RWR. If he does, he will drive alongside fellow Cup Series driver Justin Haley, who signed on with the organization beginning in 2024.
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Guilty until proven innocent. Seems to be the norm these days!!