Kurt Busch stepped away from full-time racing in the NASCAR Cup Series after suffering a concussion during qualifying at Pocono Raceway last season. Busch, 44, has not been cleared by doctors to compete in NASCAR yet.
Even if the 44-year-old driver is cleared, it would not be for the full season. 23XI Racing has been preparing a third, part-time car for Busch in the scenario that he would want to race again during the 2023 NASCAR season.
Busch did not rule out the possibility during a media availability before the NASCAR Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway last weekend. However, what about the possibility of acquiring an ownership role within 23XI Racing?
Related: Kurt Busch gives big update on possible return to the NASCAR Cup Series
Kurt Busch talks about his desire to become an owner of 23XI Racing
Busch is a consultant for 23XI Racing and a helping hand throughout the entire Toyota family. This includes Joe Gibbs Racing rookie driver Ty Gibbs as he makes his transition to the NASCAR Cup Series.
The former 23XI Racing driver has put his arm around Gibbs as the two drivers share a bond with Monster Energy. However, would Busch have any interest in potentially becoming more than a consultant at 23XI Racing?
Busch talked to RACER.com’s Kelly Crandall about the possibility of becoming an owner of the organization in the future as he helps its current drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.
“Denny Hamlin is a smart guy behind the scenes and he’s a fun owner to work for because he’s still a racer. He’s a new owner, and I’m a racer, and I’m a new guy in my position. But I don’t want the ownership role. I just want to assist him and (23XI Racing )the best way I can.”
Kurt Busch on the possibility of becoming an owner of 23XI Racing
There are several Cup Series champions that have gone on to become owners at NASCAR’s top level. These drivers include Brad Keselowski, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Richard Petty.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not a Cup Series champion, he is also very interested in bringing JR Motorsports to NASCAR’s top level. However, it appears Busch wants to stay out of the ownership group for the time being.
Perhaps, Busch could reconsider down the line that he wants to join several champions as an owner in the Cup Series but in the meantime, he will enjoy his life after racing and recover from his injury.