August 27, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Kurt Busch to drive the No. 45 Monster Toyota for 23XI Racing in 2022

23XI Racing has another champion under its roof--in addition to Michael Jordan. 

Kurt Busch was named Friday as the driver of a second 23XI car for 2022, the No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota for 2022.

The 2004 NASCAR Cup champion brings a stout resume to the organization, including 33 wins, 154 top fives and 326 top 10s in 745 career starts.  

“I cannot begin to express my gratitude for this opportunity,” said Busch, a 43-year-old Las Vegas native. “Racing to win is what I live for. Helping to continue developing a new team, alongside Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Toyota is exactly what I want to be part of. Winning is important to 23XI, it’s important to Monster Energy, and it’s important to me. That is our goal.”  

Busch will team up with Bubba Wallace for the organization’s sophomore season. The team is expected to secure a charter from Front Row Motorsports. 

“When we started this team, our vision was to grow to a multi-car organization. To be able to expand in just our second year is a huge step for us,” said 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin. “Kurt brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship mindset to our team and will be able to help us grow stronger and more competitive each and every week.” 

A veteran of 21 full seasons at the Cup level, Busch boasts a current eight-year streak of winning at least one race per year. His relationship with Monster dates back to 2012 when he piloted the No. 54 Xfinity Series Toyota for Kyle Busch Motorsports, a team owned by his brother.
 
“Joining up with 23XI Racing is a perfect fit for our core values at Monster Energy,” said Monster Energy CMO Dan McHugh. “The formation of the team marks a new chapter in motorsports and will unlock a wealth of opportunities to create exciting initiatives for fans. We are also very happy to continue our sponsorship with Kurt Busch who has been a member of the Monster family for many years.”

While Jordan's No. 23 is synonymous with his illustrious basketball career at both the University of North Carolina and with the Chicago Bulls, the six-time NBA champion wore the No. 45 in high school, during his short Major League Baseball career and when he returned to the Bull from his first retirement in 1995. 

But in NASCAR, the No. 45 is associated with the late Adam Petty, who was killed during a practice session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in May of 2000. Petty raced in the No. 45 for 40 of his 43 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and for his only career Cup start at Texas Motor Speedway in 2000. The last time the No. 45 appeared in the Cup Series was with Petty Enterprises driver Chad McCumbee in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008.

“The number 45 is a special number to myself and the entire Petty family," said Kyle Petty in a statement. "We look forward to seeing that number back on the race track contending for race wins and championships. Seeing the number compete again, under the 23XI Racing banner, with Kurt behind the wheel, is exciting for us.

"While the number will always hold many memories of Adam, we know Kurt, Denny and the entire organization will represent it well. Victory Junction – a place of empowerment and inclusion for kids with chronic and serious medical illnesses envisioned by Adam – are proud to see the 45 car return and where this team will take it on the track.”