NASCAR reinstates Cody Ware after April assault charges dismissed

NASCAR officials reinstated Cup Series driver Cody Ware Tuesday after prosecutors dismissed the assault charges against him.

Ware was suspended indefinitely on April 10 after he was arrested by the Iredell County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office on a felony charge of “assault by strangulation — inflict serious injury” and a misdemeanor charge of “assault on female.” The assault charges against Ware and his then-girlfriend were dropped Thursday after both parties opted not to cooperate with prosecutors.

Ware was arrested on April 3, while his girlfriend at the time was charged with simple assault in September.

“I’ve maintained my innocence from the very beginning, even as there was a rush to judgment by others,” Ware said in a statement, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “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.”

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According to the warrants of his arrest, Ware allegedly pushed his girlfriend to the floor before slapping her in the face and wrapping his hands around her neck. He then threw a phone at her and threatened to kill her. Her arrest warrant claims she repeatedly hit Ware in the face and broke her hand doing so.

Rick Ware Racing and Rick Ware, individually, filed lawsuits in November against Ware’s girlfriend, claiming she made false statements to police to harm Ware and the team, per Pockrass. The team lawsuit alleges that the team lost $3.5 million in sponsorship as a result of Ware’s arrest.

Ware, 28, has made 97-career Cup Series starts for Rick Ware Racing, recording one top-10 finish. He finished 32nd in the final points standings in 2022 and competed in seven races this past season. Several drivers replaced Ware behind the wheel of the No. 51 Ford, including veteran Ryan Newman.