ARCA Menards Series driver Daniel Dye has been reinstated by ARCA following a suspension for his arrest on felony battery charges last month.
Dye, who drives for GMS Racing, was arrested for allegedly punching a fellowing student at his school in the groin. The student, who pressed charges, “was diagnosed with a possible ruptured testicle and referred to a urologist.”
On Friday, the State attorney office in Volusia County (Florida) reduced the charge against Dye to misdemeanor battery. ARCA announced the reinstatement Friday afternoon.
Dye, 17, addressed his reinstatement in lengthy statement on his website.
“The past few weeks have been emotionally difficult for me and my family to say the least,” Dye said to begin the statement.
“I am happy to report that ARCA has dropped its suspension after my lawyer provided the State’s Attorney with sworn statements from eye witnesses. Following review of this information and its own investigation including review of medical records the State reduced the charge to a misdemeanor.
“Before I get back to racing, I think it is important to explain what happened that led local police officers to take me into custody. The facts are that me and my classmates have been engaged in a silly and admittedly immature game commonly played at the school between boys and involves hitting each other in the groin area. This has been going on since we were in the 9th grade. The other student “got me” and then I got him back. I want to be very clear that nobody was trying to seriously injure anyone in the game and I am relieved to know that the other student has recovered.
“As I look forward to my high school graduation, I am fortunate to have a career in auto racing. Racing is a sport dependent on good judgment and character and I want to be seen as a positive role model in every walk of life.”
Dye did not miss any races as a result of his suspension, with ARCA last racing at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23.
ARCA will compete Saturday, May 14 at Kansas Speedway.
Dye is second in the ARCA point standings.