American racer Danny Eslick has been thrown out of the upcoming Daytona 200 after being charged with whacking a police officer in Florida.

The AMA, which still runs the March event but no longer has any MotoAmerica durisdiction, have suspended the rider until his case his heard in court. Nothing like innocent until proven guilty.

An AMA statement reads:

The American Motorcyclist Association and the American Sportbike Racing Association, in consultation with Daytona International Speedway, have suspended professional motorcycle racer Daniel C. Eslick of Broken Arrow, Okla., from the Daytona 200 for actions deemed to be detrimental to the sport.

According to the Volusia County (Florida) Clerk of Circuit Court, Eslick is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, a felony of the third degree, as a result of events that took place about 11:59 p.m., March 7, in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Participating in professional motorcycle competition is a privilege, not a right, and there is zero tolerance for behavior that is detrimental to the promotion of motorcycling in all its forms.

The AMA has extended Eslick's suspension to all AMA-sanctioned activity. The suspension will be in effect until this case is resolved, at which time the AMA may lift the suspension or take further action.