Kyle Busch is preparing for the Daytona 500 following a legal issue he faced in Mexico. On January 27, the NASCAR driver encountered trouble when a handgun was discovered in his luggage as he attempted to leave Mexico.
The Public Ministry of the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) in Quintana Roo sentenced him to three years and six months in prison along with a fine of 200 measurement units, translating to 20,748 pesos, which is about $1,100.
Busch issued a statement on Twitter addressing the situation. He explained that while vacationing in Mexico with his wife Samantha, a routine security check at the airport revealed the handgun in his bag.
Although he has a valid concealed carry permit from his home state and follows all applicable laws, he had unintentionally packed the gun and was unaware of the legal restrictions in Mexico.
The discovery led to his temporary detainment while the issue was resolved. Busch cooperated fully with Mexican authorities, accepted the fines, and has since returned to North Carolina.
He expressed regret over the incident and thanked everyone involved for their professionalism in handling the situation. He and his family now consider the issue settled.
Back on track, Busch finished third in the Clash at the Coliseum, with N.J. native Martin Truex emerging as the winner. The next major event on his calendar is the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 19 at Daytona International Speedway, where he will aim for his first win in this iconic race. Austin Cindric is the reigning champion.