Kurt Busch will not compete full time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023, he announced Saturday, Oct. 15.
23XI Racing also announced that Tyler Reddick will join the team full time next season.
Busch has been sidelined with concussion-like symptoms since a crash during qualifying at Pocono Raceway.
Ty Gibbs filled in for him in the No. 45 until the playoffs began. 23XI Racing then moved Bubba Wallace to the No. 45 to compete for the owner’s championship. Gibbs remained in the No. 23 through this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“I know I’m not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Busch said. “These are the best of the best drivers, and lately, I haven’t felt my best.
“The doctors have come to the conclusion that it is best for me to “shut it down” for this season. Even though I have made solid gains since I have been working with top specialists, and the team at Toyota Performance Center, I’m still not 100% and I’m still not cleared to compete.
“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.
“My long-term heat is priority number one, 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.”
Busch added: “if I’m cleared, maybe you’ll see me in select races.”
The Las Vegas native ran mostly full time in Cup since 2001. He’s earned 34 wins and a championship in 2004.
Reddick moves over from Richard Childress Racing after amassing three Cup victories this season.
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