Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne faces a Jan. 8 court hearing on a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a confrontation with a security guard Nov. 16 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Kahne is accused of pushing security guard Archibald Hutchinson after being asked to present a NASCAR credential. Kahne, wearing his driver's uniform, was trying to enter the motor home compound at the track.

Hutchinson was treated and released from the track's infield care center.

The maximum sentence for misdemeanor battery in Florida is one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Hutchinson also filed suit against Kahne on Tuesday in Florida's 11th Circuit Court in Miami for an unspecified amount, claiming Kahne caused him "severe physical injuries."

This from SpeedTV