October 15, 2022 | By Lee Spencer

Kurt Busch redefines his priorities; Tyler Reddick to drive the No. 45 in '23

Before Kurt Busch could leave the sport he loved on his own terms, a head injury from an unfortunate accident in the new Next Gen car made the decision for him.

The 2004 NASCAR Cup champ has been sidelined since backing into the wall during a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway on July 23. 

Due to lingering concussion symptoms, the 44-year-old racer will not return to competition this season. Busch is “at peace” with the decision.

“Twenty-eight years ago, I stood here in this area of the desert and took a glamour shot of my first race car that I built with my dad and my family,” said the Las Vegas native on Saturday at his home track. “Racing is all I’ve ever known. My passion, my work ethic, and my persistence has helped me reached all the dreams that a kid could dream of.

“There’s not one reason why—one person or one circumstance that has made a stronger difference than another. It has taken everything and everyone. With that said, I know I’m not 100 percent in my ability to go out and race at the top level of the NASCAR Cup Series. These are the best of the best drivers, and lately, I haven’t felt my best.”

When Busch was at his best, he was a threat to win almost every week. Clearly, Busch had something to prove when he first came onto the stock car scene. He was brash, bold and unapologetic. Under the Roush Racing banner—and then with Penske Racing—he entered each race more than capable of winning individual events and championships. 

Busch was the comeback kid. Despite a contentious relationship at the end of his tenure with the front office at Roush and a blow-up at Penske that left the Captain with no choice but to fire him, Busch rallied. His talent continued to open doors for the driver, where other competitors may have been dismissed as damaged goods. 

With each opportunity—Phoenix Racing, Furniture Row Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing—Busch evolved into a stronger and smarter racer. He rebuilt his brand and went from being one of the most despised drivers in the NASCAR garage to one of its most beloved. 

When Denny Hamlin elected to expand 23XI, he needed a veteran who could be a mentor and exceptional teammate. With Ganassi Racing changing hands, he recruited Busch for the job. There was not a better candidate.

“From the day Kurt Busch joined our team we knew he was going to elevate our organization in many ways,” 23XI Racing said in a statement. “From earning 23XI our first playoff berth with his commanding win at Kansas Speedway to numerous hours spent off the track helping to grow our program, Kurt has made us better. 

“This season took an unexpected turn with his injury. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Kurt has not stopped being a true professional and a trusted teammate. We fully support Kurt’s decision to focus on his health and are grateful for his guidance as our team builds a strong foundation for the future.” 

Under the advice of his doctors, Busch said he’s “shutting it down” for the season. Busch is clearly not ready to retire from NASCAR entirely. If his health permits, he would like to compete on a limited basis in the future.

“Even though I’ve made solid gains, have been working with the top specialists, and the team at Toyota Performance Center (TPC), I’m still not 100 percent, and I’m still not clear to race.

“My long-term health is priority number one. I don’t feel like committing this point to compete for a championship next year is in my best interest or the best interest of the team.”

Given Busch’s timeline and his unselfish decision to vacate the No. 45 Toyota, 23XI Racing officially has come to terms with Richard Childress Racing to acquire Tyler Reddick a year early.

“We look forward to competing against Tyler over the remaining four weeks of the season and look forward to having him join our team thereafter,” the team added.

Busch entered the Cup Series at just 21 in an era when most other drivers didn't get opportunities that young. He is the last active Cup driver to have competed against the late Dale Earnhardt. 

Over the past 23 seasons, Busch has earned a title, 34 wins and 28 poles in Cup along with five Xfinity and four truck wins. 

“For more than two decades, we have been privileged to watch Kurt Busch compete,” said NASCAR president Steve Phelps. “He has proven himself a champion on the racetrack, but perhaps just as importantly, he has grown to become a true ambassador for the sport.  

“Kurt’s drive to improve the future of motorsports has set him apart. We are thrilled that he’ll remain in our sport as a leader and trusted resource. Kurt’s unparalleled passion for racing gives us hope that we will see him in a race car again.”  

With the help of his team, Busch vowed to return to 100 percent, “I promise.” In the meantime, he’ll continue to work with 23XI Racing, be a brand ambassador for Monster and Toyota and hopefully increase his role with FOX Sports. 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with 23XI—and this team of wonderful professionals," Busch said. "I appreciate their support and with what they’ve shown me over the last few months, I will continue to work with this group. I want to share my wisdom and knowledge and everything I’ve gained with my unofficial PhD in this garage area. It deserves to stay with 23XI. 

“We’re building something special here, and I look forward to working with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick who will join the team next year to drive the No. 45 Toyota.

“I’m still competitive, passionate and I want to continue to perform at my core values and has been my life since I left Las Vegas to pursue a professional career over 22 years ago. Next year, my contributions might 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 a few select races.”