Emotional News Conference at LVMS Media Center
Las Vegas native Kurt Busch announced today that he is stepping away from full-time driving in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023 during an emotional press conference in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Media Center.
Busch, who continues the recovery process from a concussion he sustained in July in a race at Pocono, told the assembled media members that he will not race the remainder of this season and will step away from full-time racing with 23XII Racing in 2023.
“As I continue to focus on my health and work towards being cleared, I will be stepping away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2023,” Busch said. “My long-term health is priority No. 1, and I don’t feel committing at this point to compete for a championship next year is in my best interest or the best interest of the team.”
From the bottom of my heart… Thank you. pic.twitter.com/SbKt3Dmv3v
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) October 15, 2022
Busch said he is feeling 90-95-percent in daily activities, but has yet to be cleared by his doctors to return to the cockpit.
“With head movements, and torso movements with my heart rate elevated, that’s when things move quick in my peripheral,” Busch explained. “It would be like looking in the mirror, and then back towards the windshield and around at the competitors, checking the dash like just things are moving quick. And things are slowing down. Things are coming back to me. I just know I’m not 100-percent. The vestibular side is really where I’m focused on with my concussion.”
Busch, 44, has earned 34 Cup Series victories in his 22-year career and said he will continue his role serving as a mentor to the young drivers on the 23XI team.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with 23XI and this team of wonderful professionals and appreciate the support they have shown me over the last few months,” Busch said. “I will continue to work with this group with the wisdom and knowledge gained from the unofficial Ph.D. I’ve earned in this garage area. We’re building something special here and I look forward to continuing working with Bubba [Wallace] off the track as well as Tyler Reddick, who will join the team next year to drive the No. 45 Toyota.”
Busch said the timing of today’s announcement allowed him to share the news here at his home track and he said he was appreciative of all the help and support over the years from the LVMS track, starting with president Chris Powell.
“I’m still competitive, passionate, and I want to continue to perform at my core values, and to give back to a community that has been my life since I left Las Vegas to pursue a professional racing career over 22 years ago,” Busch said. “Next year my contributions to racing may look a little different, but I will continue to give my best to this sport. And, if I’m cleared, maybe you’ll see me at select races.”
Twitterverse
Our first win with @FordPerformance and our first Daytona 500 win.
Thank you for all the memories, @KurtBusch. pic.twitter.com/RWpoVGuaFk
Thank you, @KurtBusch. pic.twitter.com/UkCTV37aPW
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2022
Hey @KurtBusch thanks for all you did for our team @CGRTeams over the years together. You'll always be a Champion and a Winner and #ilikewinners. Godspeed in the next step of your career!
— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) October 15, 2022
Takeaways:
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 15, 2022
Kurt Busch will focus on getting back to 100 percent in 2023, says he's 90-95. This isn't a retirement and he wants to compete. There are races in and out of NASCAR he wants to race in the future. He wants to do TV work.
Tyler Reddick will drive the 45 next year.
Kurt Busch's announcement marks the end of an era.
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2022
He's the last full-time @NASCAR Cup Series driver to run a Cup race against Dale Earnhardt. pic.twitter.com/KTdt8F3oPs
Denny Hamlin on Kurt Busch’s decision to not race full time next year and how Busch has handled the last few months trying to recover from a concussion. pic.twitter.com/ykTEQU5lGg
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 15, 2022
Thank you, @KurtBusch. pic.twitter.com/yDKGWzW41H
— Ross Chastain (@RossChastain) October 15, 2022
I’ve always enjoyed watching @KurtBusch. One of the best race car drivers of my lifetime. I feel very fortunate I’ve gotten to know him and work with him, and I’m excited for that to continue in the future. Congrats on everything you’ve accomplished, Kurt! #TeamToyota https://t.co/bvC6o8183w
— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) October 16, 2022
I appreciate how @KurtBusch made every team he went to more productive. Not many drivers could do that. Hell of a talent. Excited to see what he does from here as he steps away from full time driving.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 15, 2022
I don’t think anyone has done more in @NASCAR than @KurtBusch. An experience in this sport he hasn’t been in, doesn’t exist. Survived highs, lows, and everything in between. #Champion https://t.co/pLpJBZKiIA
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) October 15, 2022
.@RFKRacing & @KurtBusch won @roushyates Engines' first @NASCAR Cup Championship in 2004. At @DAYTONA, Kurt won our 5th #DAYTONA500 as an engine builder. Kurt has delivered success for each manufacturer in our sport. Hope to see you on the race track again soon, Kurt! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/DKIeFXahRZ
— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) October 15, 2022
We’ve had our ups and downs together.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) October 15, 2022
I’m thankful for the journey and blessing to get to race with Kurt.
Wish you the best in the next chapter of your life @KurtBusch 😊👍🏻 https://t.co/omJGpYsorf
To forge a 20 year career as a top talent, in America's top stock car series, is something reserved not only for the very best, but for the very special.
— Justin Marks (@JustinMarksTH) October 15, 2022
Congrats on an amazing run @KurtBusch - thank you for following your dreams to @NASCAR
What a great career you have had my amigo, it has been a pleasure racing against you over the last few years. I wish you best of luck for the future!! @KurtBusch pic.twitter.com/uCw5wSP4nP
— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) October 15, 2022
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