NASCAR star driver Kurt Busch has missed the last 12 Cup Series races after suffering a concussion in a wreck during qualifying back in July. Despite his attempts to return several different times this season, Busch will not be returning for the rest of the NASCAR season and is stepping away from full-time competition in 2023.
On Saturday morning, Busch shared a statement revealing his plans to “shut it down,” saying that he is “still not 100%.”
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) October 15, 2022
I know I’m not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series. These are the best of the best drivers, and lately, I haven’t felt my best,” Busch said in a statement on Saturday morning. “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.”
In addition to shutting it down this season, Busch announced that he will be stepping away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2023 to focus on his long-term health.
“My long-term health 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 said.
It’s some massive news from one of NASCAR’s biggest stars, and the NASCAR world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
Kurt Busch says he won’t race full time in 2023. https://t.co/po2aO7L7kA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 15, 2022
Thank you, Kurt.
Genuine great guy, best of luck with everything. https://t.co/1YyThV0eMD
— Ryan Vargas (@RyanVargas_23) October 15, 2022
Just interviewed @KurtBusch on @PRNlive this morning following his announcement that he will not race full-time next year. Already stepping into that leadership role @23XIRacing here for practice. https://t.co/xweF3CNslm pic.twitter.com/Vcs1tdsT4H
— Wendy Venturini (@WendyVenturini) October 15, 2022
Thank you for everything, Kurt. https://t.co/P4v7bt3Tfx
— PRN (@PRNlive) October 15, 2022
Emotional press conference right now as Kurt announces he’s stepping away from full-time racing.
Tyler Reddick will move to @23XIRacing next season and drive the 45-car https://t.co/YO326PiFef
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) October 15, 2022
LEGEND🙏🏻 Thank you for everything you have done for the sport! https://t.co/rK25t5JPir
— Kyle Weatherman (@KyleWeatherman) October 15, 2022
With Busch no longer competing, Tyler Reddick will now drive the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing. Reddick was supposed to race with Richard Childress Racing through the 2023 season, but RCR released him from his contract a year early.
