Many have been speculating about the future of NASCAR Cup Series competitor Kyle Busch after questions arose about his future with Joe Gibbs Racing.
This season is the final year of his deal with the team after a sponsorship fell through for next season. And it appears that the uncertainty of his racing career appears to be taking a toll on Busch (seen above preparing for qualifying at the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard in July).
Despite both sides saying that they would like to remain together, the lack of a sponsor may be a huge roadblock in making that happen. Busch he revealed on Saturday that the uncertainty around the situation has been hard on him.
“It’s been hard as h***, said Busch. “It’s been a lot of sleepless nights figuring out what your future is and all that sort of stuff.”
#NASCAR … I asked Kyle Busch about what he has gone through this year with his plans for next year uncertain. He opened up … pic.twitter.com/9bCmmMvDnU
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) August 20, 2022
Busch has been with Joe Gibbs Racing since 2008. But it seems more and more likely that he may have to seek another team if he wants to continue racing next season.
“Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, well, you’ve made plenty of money, you’re fine, you don’t have anything to worry about,’” Busch added. “And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s true, but you still want to do what you love to do, right? I’m in the same boat.
“I’m a racer. I’ve only ever known how to race. Nothing else. (I’m) trying to do other business projects and things like that, but none of them have really like blown up and taken off. So it has been hard, and figuring out all of that is certainly tough.”
Many around the NASCAR world understand Busch’s stance of being afraid of the unknown element in his career.
Really appreciate Kyle's candidness here https://t.co/1obMti3tHF
— John Theodore (@john_a_theodore) August 21, 2022
Much respect for @KyleBusch . @ToyotaRacing should sponsor his car for next year to give more time to find permanent sponsor. He’s done a helluva lot for them in nascar series both in cars and trucks. Hate to see him finish with another manufacturer. https://t.co/7DV2FPP6qz
— 🔴⚪Brandon🔴⚫ (@UGAFALCONS1) August 20, 2022
This is why i like @KyleBusch . Unfiltered, no bs, all the time. Oh and hes talented and a great racer. https://t.co/ejQMBzZUVV
— skip (@mj092288) August 20, 2022
Upset that our sport is built on sponsorship dollars and that a generational talent doesn't have a job. LeBron will play as long as he wants to. Gretzky played as long as he wanted. This is very sad. https://t.co/Cnc6MkKTzG
— Dr. Marty Nartin (@TomHobbs636) August 20, 2022
Some teams that have been listed as a potential landing spot for Busch are Stewart-Haas Racing and Kaulig Racing. Both of those would certainly be interesting possibilities for Busch.
Busch certainly has a lot on his mind, but his focus on Sunday will be on winning at Watkins Glen, where he will be starting in 10th place to begin the race.
[NBC Sports, Dustin Long; photo from The Indianapolis Star, via USA Today Sports]