News-Record.com

Or, another reason why I love NASCAR so:

Here's the three-paragraph release Penske racing sent out today about its newest driver, Kurt Busch:

Kurt Busch, NASCAR Nextel Cup driver and 2004 series champion, appeared in Aqua Fria Justice Court today and agreed to the terms proposed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and approved by the Court regarding a traffic incident that occurred on Nov. 11, 2005.

"I am pleased to have this incident behind me," Busch said. "I have learned many lessons from the situation and one of them is that speeding should be saved for the race track. I am excited for the 2006 race season to begin and look forward to the racing activities at Daytona this week."

Busch took responsibility for excessive speed, as well as citations for passing in a no passing zone and following another vehicle too closely. As part of the resolution, Busch will perform community service, which will be determined in the near future.

Note the language. Busch agreed to terms. Took responsibility. Then there's mention of the resolution.

Now compare that to the AP dispatch (emphasis mine):

PHOENIX (AP) — NASCAR driver Kurt Busch was ordered Wednesday to perform 50 hours of community service as part of a plea agreement over a reckless driving citation he received near Phoenix International Raceway. His lawyer, Lee Stein said his client admitted to speeding, a misdemeanor, and two civil citations: following too closely and passing in a no-passing zone. In exchange, the reckless driving charge was dropped. The community service must be completed within a year, Stein said. Busch also paid $580 in court fines. (etc.)

So in Law vs. Kurt Busch, I'm scoring it Law 1, Busch 0. How do you spin that?

Here are s the citation and police reports from the indispensible Smoking Gun Web site, if you missed them the first time.