NASCAR star Kyle Busch remains free in the US despite being sentenced to a prison sentence of more than three years by a Mexican court.
The racer said he "made a mistake" by accidentally taking a handgun with him on holiday to Mexico last month. It was found by security officials at Cancun International Airport and Busch was detained by members of the Mexican National Guard, a press release from the Mexico Prosecutor General's office stated.
He was charged with possession of a firearm without a license and illegally possessing ammunition. A Mexican judge slapped him with a 42-month prison sentence and a small fine, though Busch was allowed to return to the US.
It is unclear how that sentence will be carried out, as the NASCAR driver is no longer in Mexico. Busch has since released a statement acknowledging that he was the man referred to by Mexican authorities, but said that he considers the matter to be closed.
"In late January, Samantha [his wife] and I enjoyed a several day vacation in Mexico," he wrote. "When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag.
"Discovery of the handgun led to my detainment while the situation was resolved. I was not aware of Mexican law and had no intention of bringing a handgun into Mexico. When it was discovered, I fully cooperated with the authorities, accepted the penalties, and returned to North Carolina.
"I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I consider this issue closed." The double NASCAR Cup Series champion made his debut for Richard Childress Racing at the Busch Light Clash event in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Busch's wife posted a photo of them together in Mexico during that holiday on social media. She wrote in the caption: "Kyle and I decided after a crazy, busy, stressful last year to take a few days away just ourselves to relax before the season started.
"That's a 2023 goal for us – to focus on de-stressing, and our word for the year is positivity! This was one of the first times leaving the kiddos, we missed them the entire time but needed the downtime for sure to focus on each other. Now we're ready for the season!"
