NASCAR veteran Kurt Busch will run at most single races in Cup in 2023 – Tyler Reddick moves to 23XI Racing early
Kurt Busch will not race again in 2022 and will not compete in the full NASCAR Cup season in 2023. The 44-year-old made the announcement Saturday during the race weekend at Las Vergas Motor Speedway.
The partial retirement of Busch clears the way for an early move by Tyler Reddick to 23XI Racing. The team said it had reached an agreement on the matter with Reddick’s previous racing team, Childress Racing. Reddick will drive the 45 Toyota next season, which was previously driven by Busch.
Busch also justified his decision with the consequences of the concussion he suffered in an accident during qualifying at Pocono Raceway on 23 July. Busch has not raced since and is still suffering the effects of the injury.
Not cleared to race today after concussion
“I’m still not at 100 per cent and I still haven’t been cleared to race,” said Busch. For that reason, he says, he has decided to end his full-time career. “It’s more about being selfless and respecting what needs to happen in this industry. “
– Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) October 15, 2022
“I will give 100 per cent again, I promise,” the 44-year-old continued. “And if I’m declared fit again, I’ll be seen in select races. “Busch is keeping his options open for starts in a third Toyota from 23XI Racing.
The racing team, founded by NBA superstar Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, issued a statement thanking Busch for his contribution to building the new team. “From the day Kurt Busch joined our team, we knew he would elevate our organisation in many ways,” it said.
34 wins in 23 years, 2004 champion
“From taking 23XI to the playoffs for the first time with his commanding win at Kansas Speedway, to the numerous hours he has spent off the track continuing to build our program – Kurt has made us better. “
“This season has taken an unexpected turn with his injury. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Kurt has not stopped being a true professional and a reliable teammate. We fully support Kurt’s decision to focus on his health and are grateful for his leadership,” 23XI continued.
Busch debuted in NASCAR Cup in 2000 and has run 776 races in the top class to date. In the process, he has scored 34 wins, 339 top-10 results (a 43.69 per cent rate) and 28 pole positions.
His greatest success was winning the NASCAR Cup title in the 2004 season, which he secured after a thrilling three-way battle against Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon in a dramatic final race at Homestead.
