Some fallout from NASCAR's decision to reinstate Kurt Busch and provide an exemption so he can compete for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup:
— Regan Smith is expected to return to the Xfinity Series now that Busch is back in the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet.
Smith ran three races after Busch was suspended. He was 16th in the Daytona 500, 17th at Atlanta and 16th last week at Las Vegas.
MORE: Busch reinstated | Driscoll's response | No criminal charges for Kurt
Busch returns to his regular Sprint Cup ride having been cleared by NASCAR on Wednesday for racing.
Smith drives the No. 7 Chevy for JR Motorsports.
— Busch received an exemption and can compete for the Chase, but he returns to racing at a disadvantage. His easiest path is to win a race. He likely must finish in the top 30 drivers as well.
Including Sunday at Phoenix, there are 23 Cup races left on the 2015 schedule to qualify for the 16-driver Chase field. Three drivers made last fall's Chase on points.
Fox Sports described the challenge Busch faces.
"To make it into the top 30, Busch would probably have to average about 17 to 18 points per race over the next 23 races. Last year in races No. 4-26, Busch averaged 25.6 points per race, well ahead of what he should need."
So it's doable. Plus, SHR cars are usually among the top competitors in Cup races. Kevin Harvick won last week at Las Vegas to take over the Cup points lead. However, Stewart hasn't fared well this season and Danica Patrick hasn't challenged in the first three races.
Busch also is at a disadvantage because he has yet to race under NASCAR's 2015 rules. He must quickly learn how his car handles when running in the pack with less downforce and lower horsepower than last season.
Busch's waiver exempts him from needing to qualify for all 26 races before the Chase.
— Busch is valuable to SHR for more than his racing ability. The 2004 Cup champion also brings expertise on cars his team can use across its stable.
"Kurt's a car guy," Harvick told veteran NASCAR writer Bob Pockrass. "He understands what's going on with his race car, and obviously at the end of last year they were very competitive and qualifying well and everything seemed to be flowing pretty good as far as information and things that were happening with the cars. ... As we sit in the competition meetings and you hear everything that is going on, there is definitely a piece missing as far as information and things that happen on the racetrack when Kurt's not there."
— Although NASCAR allowed Busch to resume racing, Delaware court officials continue to focus on his behavior.
NASCAR's suspension followed a ruling by Family Court Commissioner David Jones that bans Busch from contact with former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll. A spate with Driscoll turned physical last September before a race weekend at Dover. Busch disputes the allegations, but Jones believed Driscoll's story that he grabbed her by the throat and hit her head into an inside wall of his motor home.
On Feb. 20, Jones wrote in his order that Busch remains a danger to Driscoll. He sees the possibility, according to The Associated Press, Busch will lash out again and has a propensity to lose control in response to disappointing or frustrating situations involving racing.
Busch, according to Jones, should seek help for a possible "treatable mental health condition." NASCAR said Busch had "behavioral assessment" sessions.
Busch is appealing Jones' ruling. Busch is 36, carries the label "The Outlaw" and had numerous run-ins over the years that cost him sponsorships and team rides.
Busch, infamous for his temper, has no room for error.