Kurt Busch being sued by former agent for more than $1.4 million

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is being sued by his former agent for in excess of $1.4 million after ceasing his contract with Sports Management Network and allegedly not paying fees since March.

Busch, the 2004 Monster Energy Series NASCAR Cup champion who drives the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing, had agreed to compensate the agency 10 percent of revenue derived from personal services agreements beginning in January 2013, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court.

According to the filing, the agency and Busch and by extension, Kurt Busch, Inc., renegotiated their initial deal in 2012 so that SMN would receive $125,000 — down from $250,000 and the 10 percent cut through 2018. The suit claims “it became apparent that the money that Defendants would receive in 2012 from [Busch’s] professional driving activities would be a fraction of what they previously received.” In 2012, Busch raced for one-car Phoenix Racing after leaving a tempestuous situation at Team Penske both parties deemed a “mutual agreement.”

MORE NASCAR:

Denny Hamlin thinks new rules will eliminate Daytona hangover

Danica Patrick's former sponsor plans to counter sue Stewart-Haas Racing

The suit claims that since the first quarter of 2016, Busch “ceased paying SMN altogether.” Busch had been represented by SMN since 2005.

SMN claims it was owed $930,450 comprising seven installments at the time of filing suit with $540,000 yet to be invoiced for 2017.

Attorney Alan Miller, who represents Busch, told MLive.com, “We believe the lawsuit is without merit, and we plan to vigorously defend the lawsuit," he said. He declined any further comment at this time.”

Miller has not yet filed a response.

This is the second time Busch's season has opened under a cloud at Daytona Speedweeks. In 2015, Busch was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for his alleged involvement in a domestic abuse incident with former girlfriend Patricia Driscoll. Criminal charges were not filed, and Busch was reinstated after missing three races.

Follow James on Twitter @brantjames

PHOTOS: Kurt Busch through the years