Kurt Busch stepped away from full-time racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2022 season due to a concussion suffered at Pocono Raceway. This marked the end of a full-time career that featured one Cup Series championship and 34 victories.
Tyler Reddick replaced Busch in the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing this season which means if he were to return, it would be in a third, part-time car. This would be the same entry that Travis Pastrana drove in the 2023 Daytona 500.
However, how is Busch progressing in his recovery and will he return to the Cup Series in the future? These questions were answered in a media availability before the NASCAR Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway last weekend.
Related: NASCAR driver Kurt Busch (concussion) won’t race full-time in 2023
Kurt Busch enjoying new role with 23XI Racing, not ruling out return to driving in NASCAR
Busch came to Daytona International Speedway for the Great American Race in a role he likely did not expect at this time last year. The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion was part of a legendary group of drivers tasked with being grand marshals for the 2023 Daytona 500.
As Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano yelled the famous slogan, they strapped into their race cars for the big event. Meanwhile, Busch stayed out of a vehicle and enjoyed NASCAR’s biggest race of the season.
It was supposed to be Busch’s farewell season with fellow Cup Series competitor Kevin Harvick but his injury ended that possible outcome. Now, the former 23XI Racing driver is being asked whether he would return to the Cup Series if he is cleared to race again.
“That’s the thing, life moves forward. Contracts happen. This is a big-time sport and there’s eight figures these days for sponsorship money. Those don’t just fall out of the sky. I’ve got a great relationship with Monster Energy and with Toyota and that’s why you see me here at the track, pushing hard and doing everything the same as I would be if I was racing. There’s a big announcement next week with Tyler Reddick at the Monster Energy headquarters, there’s a video today with Ty Gibbs. There’s a lot of fun stuff going on. Once there’s that green light, then there’s the chance to open the door for discussions so it’s a process. Can’t push one before the other.”
Kurt Busch on if he will return to the NASCAR Cup Series in the future
Busch did not rule out the possibility of racing in the Cup Seris again but it will depend on sponsorship and other factors. The good thing for him is that 23XI Racing has been preparing the No. 67 car for his possible return.
As stated above, this was supposed to be Busch’s retirement year. The end of his career would have ushered in a new era at 23XI Racing as Reddick originally signed a deal to come over for the 2024 season.
Instead, Busch is now on the sidelines in his new consultant role. It may not have been how he pictured his life at this time last year; however, there’s still a place for him in NASCAR moving forward.