NASCAR lifts Kurt Busch's indefinite suspension

NASCAR lifted driver Kurt Busch's suspension on Wednesday, saying he can return to driving immediately but will still be under probation.

NASCAR lifted driver Kurt Busch's suspension on Wednesday, saying he can return to driving immediately but will still be on probation.

The driver had been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Feb. 20 after a Delaware court ruled "it is more likely than not" Busch committed an act of abuse against his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll in September 2014.

Busch avoided criminal charges in the case when the Delaware state attorney's office declined to prosecute him after Driscoll claimed that Busch smashed her head into a bedroom wall and choked her. Authorities said there was not enough admissable evidence to bring criminal charges.

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"We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior," Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said.

NASCAR said it reinstated Busch after he completed the mandatory behavioral assessment sessions and after consulting with the behavioral health care expert that worked with him and recommended that he return to racing.

Busch has missed all three races this season at Daytona, Las Vegas and Atlanta. It is not known if he will drive this weekend in Phoenix.

NASCAR waived the requirement that a driver must compete in all championship events of the current Sprint Cup season to be eligible for The Chase.

- Scooby Axson