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NASCAR has suspended Cup Series driver Cody Ware indefinitely after his arrest in North Carolina, the governing body announced on Tuesday. Ware, who drives the No. 51 car for Rick Ware Racing, was booked in an Iredell County jail April 10. According to the sheriff's office arrest records, Ware faces a felony charge of assault by strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault.

According to police records shared by Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, the alleged incident occurred on April 3 and has been classified as domestic violence, with Ware using "personal weapons" of hands, fists, and feet. Ware was released from jail on a $3,000 bond, and he is due to appear in district court on May 1.

Ware was returned to custody on Friday, and charged with two additional misdemeanors -- assault inflicting serious injury and communicating threats -- stemming from the original incident. Ware is due to appear in court April 17 for the charges issued against him on Friday.

Ware has been the full-time driver of the No. 51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing, his family's race team, since the 2021 season. Last Saturday, the team had announced that Ware would be stepping out of the driver's seat at Bristol Motor Speedway in order to focus on a "personal matter". Matt Crafton would fill in behind the wheel of the No. 51, finishing 34th after an engine failure.

Rick Ware Racing released a statement regarding Ware's indefinite suspension and said the team "is committed to continuing our multi-car efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series."

"We are aware of the incident regarding Cody Ware and his indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition. We understand NASCAR's position on this matter and accept their decision.

"The matter is still under investigation and Cody is fully cooperating with the authorities, as due process takes its course. RWR is committed to continuing our multi-car efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series and is in the process of finalizing our plans for the No. 51 entry at Martinsville Speedway, and beyond.

"These plans will be announced in the coming days."

Zane Smith, the defending Craftsman Truck Series champion, is currently listed as the driver of the No. 51 Ford this weekend at Martinsville Speedway on the qualifying order released by NASCAR.

Ware made his Cup Series debut in 2017. To this point in the 2023 season, Ware ranks 31st with 65 points. His best finish came at Daytona International Speedway, where he came in 14th place after starting 35th.