AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Reigning Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch was detained on suspicion of drunken driving Friday night but cited only with reckless driving after an incident near Phoenix International Raceway.

NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter downplayed the citation, saying, "it's a traffic ticket.'' Hunter said Busch's status for today's race would not be affected. Car owner Jack Roush said Saturday afternoon he had not talked to Busch about the incident but planned no action against his driver.

The incident could cause concern for NASCAR because one of Busch's major sponsors is Crown Royal whiskey, and he moves to a team sponsored by Miller Lite next season.

A Maricopa County Sheriff's officer observed Busch driving about 60 mph in a 45-mph zone at 8:20 p.m. local time a couple of miles from the track, Lt. Paul Chagolla said. Busch had to take "evasive'' action to avoid rear-ending a car at an intersection, Chagolla said. Busch veered into the opposite lane, passed in a no-passing zone and ran through a stop sign.

Chagolla said there was "some delay'' before Busch pulled over. After he was stopped, Busch was argumentative and uncooperative, Chagolla said. The officer called for a supervisor as backup.

The officer detected alcohol on Busch's breath and administered a preliminary breathalyzer test. Busch refused a standardized field sobriety test, Chagolla said. He was taken into custody and transported to the sheriff's temporary command center near the track.

A blood-alcohol test was attempted on Busch but the machine malfunctioned, Chagolla said. Arizona law gives police only a certain amount of time to give a sobriety test from the onset of the stop. The time -- Chagolla said he could not recall what the limit was -- passed before officers could get a machine that worked. Busch was issued only a criminal citation based on what the officer witnessed. Busch is scheduled to appear Dec. 22 in Tolleson Justice Court.

Busch release a statement Saturday night, saying he regretted the incident.

"It is important to understand that this citation is not alcohol related," Busch said in the statement. "I want to apologize to the Maricopa County Sheriff's department for my actions."

NASCAR president Mike Helton was seen escorting Busch to a NASCAR hauler for a private meeting. Hunter also attended but refused to reveal any details of the meeting.