NASCAR: Eddie D’Hondt arrested for assault (3rd Update)
D’Hondt has been reinstated by NASCAR and will spot for Chase Elliott this weekend at Nashville.
In a statement, Hendrick Motorsports said, “We are pleased about the resolution of this matter and look forward to Eddie D’Hondt re-joining our team this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.”
Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports reported the assault/battery charges against D’Hondt have been dismissed due to “insufficient evidence to warrant prosecution.” Conflicting statements were made by the witnesses and dispositive evidence was never provided to the DA’s office.”
May 26, 2021
Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass is reporting the D’Hondt case stems from Sept. 7, 2020, for an argument over jet ski rentals, where an employee alleged D’Hondt of making contact with them.
Then, a criminal summons for assault on a female was issued last September towards D’Hondt. The assault case had been postponed multiple times. The warrant for arrest for battery towards and unborn child was issued two weeks ago.
FOX Sports obtained affidavits in D’Hondt case. It stems from a Sept 7 2020 argument over jet ski rentals, where an employee alleged D’Hondt made “full body contact and yelled in my face pushing me back multiple times with body” and “hit my arm away” & “swung a fist at me.” (1/3)
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 26, 2021
May 26, 2021
Hendrick Motorsports statement: We became aware of the situation this morning and have immediately and indefinitely suspended Mr. D’Hondt’s role with our company. We are taking this matter very seriously and will continue to seek additional information about the alleged incident.
A spotter for this weekend’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway has not been named at this time.
May 26, 2021
Eddie D’Hondt, spotter for Chase Elliott’s No. 9 team in the NASCAR Cup Series, was arrested earlier this month on misdemeanor charges of assaulting a woman and battery against an unborn child.
According to the Hickory, N.C. Police Department’s website, D’Hondt, 62, was arrested on May 12. On the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s website, D’Hondt is scheduled for two court appearances, on June 7 (battery of an unborn child) and June 30 (assault of a woman).
NASCAR has suspended Eddie D’Hondt indefinitely for violation of Section 12.8.1.e Member Conduct Guidelines and 2.11 Required Notice.
Section 12.8.1.e states:
Member actions that could result in a fine and/or indefinite suspension, or termination:
- 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.
Section 2.11 Required Notice:
- Any NASCAR Member charged with any violation of the law (misdemeanor and/or felony) shall notify NASCAR … prior to the next scheduled Event or within 72 hours of being so charged, whichever is earlier.