NASCAR has suspended 35-year-old Evanna Howell indefinitely following her arrest in connection with an alleged violent incident at Charlotte Motor Speedway in which a 77-year-old man was reportedly struck with a golf cart and suffered a severe injury.
Howell, a senior account manager with 23XI Racing, faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury after the incident on 23 May in Concord, North Carolina.
The incident is reported to have taken place at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, 23 May at Charlotte Motor Speedway during a busy race weekend. According to police reportscited by WCNC, Howell allegedly used a golf cart to intentionally strike a 77-year-old man at the venue.
The victim sustained a 'severe laceration', according to the report, and required medical attention following the collision. Authorities have not yet released details on what led up to the confrontation, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Charlotte Motor Speedway was hosting major NASCAR events at the time, including the Coca-Cola 600 weekend activities, drawing large crowds of teams, staff, and spectators.
Cabarrus County court records confirm that Howell, aged 35, was arrested on the same day as the incident. She has been formally charged with assault with a deadly weapon, causing serious injury.
Following her arrest, Howell was held in custody at Cabarrus County jail before being released on 26 May after posting a $125,000 bond (roughly £18,600). Court documents indicate she is scheduled to return to court on 16 June as proceedings continue.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed any additional information about potential witnesses or evidence gathered at the scene.
NASCAR confirmed Howell's suspension in its weekly penalty report issued on 27 May. The governing body stated that she has been suspended indefinitely for 'behavioural' reasons, without providing further public details.
Several penalties have been issued following this past weekend's action at Charlotte Motor Speedway.pic.twitter.com/P0H85e35rO
Source: International Business Times UK
