Kurt Busch, a former champion of the NASCAR Cup Series, was detained for driving while intoxicated (DWI), reckless driving, and speeding in Iredell County, North Carolina, late Tuesday night.

The 46-year-old was stopped by police just after 11:30 p.m. ET in Mooresville, North Carolina, while driving at 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. Reports indicate that Busch showed clear signs of being intoxicated, including a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath and “red glassy eyes.” Upon questioning, the retired NASCAR driver admitted to drinking.

Busch’s blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 0.17, which is more than double the legal limit of 0.08 in the state. He was released from the Iredell County Detention Center early Wednesday morning after agreeing to appear in court on September 19.

“I’m very disappointed in myself and I apologize to my family, racing community, and my fans,” Busch expressed in a statement. “I am committed to working with the authorities to address this situation and to help make the county a safer place moving forward.”

The last time Busch raced in the Cup Series was in summer 2022, where he finished 10th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 17. The following week, he sustained a concussion during a serious crash in qualifying at Pocono Raceway and subsequently missed the rest of the 2022 season due to concussion symptoms.

In October 2022, Busch announced he would not compete full-time in 2023, and he formally declared his retirement on August 26, 2023.

Busch began his career in the Cup Series in 2000 and won the championship in 2004. Throughout his 23-year career, he achieved 34 victories, with his final win occurring at Kansas Speedway on May 15, 2022, while racing for 23XI Racing, an organization where he remains a consultant.

He hails from Las Vegas and is the elder brother of current NASCAR driver and two-time series champion, Kyle Busch.