Carson Ware has been suspended ahead of this weekend’s NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway
Update: This post has been updated with the press release from the sheriff’s office
Carson Ware has been suspended by NASCAR as well as SS Green Light Racing. The 21-year-old was scheduled to race this weekend at Kansas Speedway.
See the new police statement at the bottom of this post.
Statements have been issued from the team as well as the father, see below.
Carson is the son of NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Indycar Series team owner Rick Ware.
Ware was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault on female, simple assault and injury to personal property. Bail has been set at $1,000.
The police reported noted that one of the occupants of the residence were a co-worker to Ware. Ware was staying there while in rehab recovery. Per the report, Ware pushed and slapped Melissa Katsamperis and broke several items.
The location of the incident was listed as 200-BLK Athens Drive in North Carolina according to the police report.
Per a statement from the team, Garrett Smithley will fill the seat of the No. 17 at Kansas Speedway.
Carson Ware has run 9 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. He’s competed for SS Green Light Racing, Rick Ware Racing and Mike Harmon Racing. Last year, he ran a single NASCAR Truck Series race for Reaume Brothers Racing.
Ware has a best finish of 20th which came in the Xfinity Series event at Pocono Raceway in 2020.
Carson Ware was taken to the Rowan County Detention Center. He has a court date scheduled for November 19th, 2021.
Related: Eddie D’Hondt case dismissed; NASCAR lifts suspension
SS Green Light Racing Statement
“This morning we became ware of a situation that involved Carson Ware,” the team statement opened.
“Upon further information, we have indefinitely suspended Carson Ware as a driver at SS Green Light Racing. We are taking this matter very seriously and will continue to monitor the situation as the facts come to light.”
The team concluded, “At this time, Garrett Smithley will be the driver for the No. 17 entry at Kansas Speedway.”
Rick Ware Racing statement
“This morning I was notified of a situation that involved Carson Ware,” Rick Ware Racing opened in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“At this time, Carson has been indefinetely suspended by SS Green Light Racing and NASCAR. While I am frustrated by the actions of Carson, I am even more disappointed for Bobby Dotter and his entire team.”
“Bobby has been a great ally through the years, and I hate to see SS Green Light Racing under scrutiny due to actions that do not reflect the reputation and image that Bobby has worked to uphold over the years.”
The statement concluded, “My hope is that Carson will get help that he needs during this difficult time.”
This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
Update: Rowan County Sheriff’s office press release
“On October 20, 2021, at around 2:30am, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatches by 911 to investigate a possible physical disturbance in progress,” the PR opened.
“As RCSO Deputies approached the front door of the residence, they could hear a loud banging inside the glass, by the front door, they could observe broken glass and clothes scattered across the floor.”
“After knocking on the door loudly several times, a person later identified as Carson Ware peeked out the window. RCSO Deputies asked Ware to step outside, and he di wearing green underwear and black socks.”
“Ware had blood on his face, along with a swollen lip. Deputies cuffed Ware and placed him in the backseat of a patrol car until further investigation could be completed.”
Melissa Katsamperis
“At this time, Deputies were met by Melissa Katsamperis, who lives at the residence with her husband, Kenneth Evans. Evans is a co-worker of Carson Ware, and Ware was staying with Evans and his wife while he recovered from some recent rehab.”
“Evans & his wife explained that Carson Ware had come back to their residence earlier in the previous evening, and that when he came back he way very intoxicated and belligerent. He stated that he advised Ware to go to bed several times, but that Ware became violent.”
“Melissa advised that Ware pushed her and slapped her in the face, and that her husband came to her defense.”
“Both Evans & Katsamperis advised that they went to their bedroom and locked the door, and that she called 911.”
“Deputies were able to enter the residence and did observe clothes and broken glass leading down the hallway to the bedroom. There were several broken paintings and wall art lying on the floor, and the bedroom door was shattered, along with the door frame being busted.”
“Deputies also observed 2 flat screen TV’s that had been broken with the screens being shattered.”
NASCAR suspension
NASCAR noted section 12.8.1.e of the NASCAR rule book in the suspension announcement.
12.81.1.e: “Being charged with or convicted of significant criminal violations (e.g. Domestic Violence, Trafficking, Assault), or having had determinations rendered by criminal or civil authorities that in NASCAR’s judgement necessitate action. NASCAR will not pre-judge guilt or innocence in the criminal or civil legal system, or the guilt or innocence of the Member, but rather review each matter in its own context and circumstances and with regards to its potential effects upon the sport.”
Links
Carson Ware | SS Green Light Racing | Rick Ware Racing | NASCAR | Rowan County Sheriff
