Cody Ware has been reinstated by NASCAR, the sanctioning body confirmed Tuesday.
Ware, who was indefinitely suspended on April 10th after being arrested on charges of assault by strangulation and assault causing serious injury, has been cleared to return to all NASCAR-related activities, effective immediately.
The suspension, which lasted approximately eight months, was lifted just four days after the assault charges against both Ware and his former girlfriend were dismissed, after both parties chose not to cooperate with prosecutors, per Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.
The 28-year-old driver, who started the year with plans to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Rick Ware Racing, was arrested one week after an altercation took place with his then-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend was charged with simple assault in September.
Dismissal filings indicated that in order to continue forward, prosecutors would need the testimony of both parties, with the non-compliance resulting in the dropping of charges on Thursday (December 7).
“I’ve maintained my innocence from the very beginning, even as there was a rush to judgment by others,” said Cody Ware, 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.”
The warrant for Ware’s arrest alleged that he pushed his girlfriend to the floor, slapped her in the face, wrapped his hands on her neck, threw a phone at her and threatened to kill her. Furthermore, the warrants also state she had redness and soreness around her neck and a broken right hand. Whereas, warrants for his girlfriend’s arrest claim that she repeatedly hit Ware in the face and head, and that is what ended up breaking her hand.
Rick Ware Racing and Rick Ware, individually, filed lawsuits in November against Ware’s girlfriend, claiming she was making false statements to police to harm Ware and the organization. The lawsuit claims the April 3 incident began when Ware’s girlfriend became angry with Ware for not wearing his promise ring on the correct finger.
The team claims that because of the arrest, the team lost $3.5 million in sponsorship revenue – including Biohaven, which was signed through 2024 – and spent more than $300,000 finding an interim driver.
