By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — In an emotional speech to the media corps at his hometown track, Las Vegas native and former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kurt Busch announced Saturday morning that he will not be competing fulltime in the series going forward.
Although Busch won’t be making another start in 2022 as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms suffered this summer, he remained hopeful that next year he will be able to run a few selected races for his 23XI Racing Toyota team.
“I’m still not 100 percent in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series,’’ Busch, 44, said, adding as his voice cracked in emotion, “My longtime health is priority one, and I don’t feel competing for a championship next year is in my best interest or the best interest of the team.’
“This is more of being unselfish and respecting what has to happen in this industry and that’s to know how to make a team move forward. I believe in 23XI and everyone here.
“And for me, I will get back to 100 percent. I promise.”
As Busch revealed his plans, he also confirmed that Reddick will be filling his seat in the No. 45 23XI Toyota next season. Currently with Richard Childress Racing, Reddick was signed to join the 23XI team in 2024, but the two organizations were able to work out a deal allowing Reddick to move a season earlier.
Busch, 44, is the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion and certainly his victory in the 2017 DAYTONA 500 is a highlight on his 34-race win career. He’s won at least one race the last nine-consecutive seasons. Only three times in 23 years of fulltime competition, did he not win at least one race. In both 2003 and 2004 he won a single season high four times.
The decision to step aside from fulltime racing comes after Busch suffered concussion-like symptoms following an accident in qualifying at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway on July 23.
Although Busch said doctors had not cleared him to return this season, he was adamantly hopeful that he would be able to compete in select races in 2023. 23XI Racing team owner – and fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitor – Denny Hamlin said the team will absolutely field a third car to ensure Busch gets that opportunity when the time comes.
“I told Kurt, in this decision never feel like you owe the team anything, if anything the team owes you and we do feel owed to Kurt,’’ Hamlin said. “Any race he wants to…
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