Who is Kurt Busch? The Career History of a NASCAR Driver Explained
Veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch has been signed by Michael Jordan-backed 23XI Racing. But which teams has Bush played for so far in his career?
Busch signs to extend NASCAR career
Busch has signed with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin owns 23XI Racing, paired with #23’s Bubba Wallace.
A 745-game veteran, the 43-year-old Busch is looking for a new berth for the 2022 season — his 22nd.
His current team, Chip Ganassi Racing, will be sold to Pitbull-backed Trackhouse Racing in 2022.
Busch’s current teammate Ross Chastain will remain on Trackhouse.
No. 1 Chevrolet driver Busch is leaving after three seasons at CGR.
“I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for this opportunity,” Busch said.
“Race to win is my life.
“Help continue to develop a new team, with Michael Jordan, Danny Hamlin and Toyota, which is exactly what I want to be a part of.”
Busch will drive the No. 45 Toyota Camry machine and bring his Monster Energy sponsorship to the 23XI.
23XI is seventh NASCAR team in Busch’s career
Busch became a full-time NASCAR Cup driver for the 2001 season, driving the No. 97 Roush Fenway.
He won Roush’s only cup so far in 2004.
However, at the end of the 2005 campaign, he was suspended by the team.
He was caught DUI in Phoenix before the game, and Roush opted out.
Bush had already switched to Penske in 2006 when he was suspended.
Penske finished 2nd in 5 seasons and 22nd in 22nd, giving Busch another 10 wins.
However, despite doing well on the track, Busch struggled.
After admitting he sought help with a personal problem from a sports psychologist in 2011.
He was fired by Penske in late 2011 after disagreements with Roger Penske over the form of #22.
After losing the Penske seat, Busch joined the Phoenix squad in 2012.
At the end of 2012, he left the No. 78 furniture row and stayed there for the 2013 campaign.
Kurt Busch’s NASCAR career recovery
In 2014, Busch made sure to return to one of the larger NASCAR teams, Stewart Haas Racing.
From 2014 to 2018, he would drive the No. 41 for five consecutive seasons, finishing seventh in the 2016 and 2018 championships.
This was his best finish since fourth for Penske in 2009.
In his second SHR season, 2015, he missed the first three races, including the Daytona 500.
NASCAR itself suspended him over domestic violence allegations, requiring him to participate in a reinstatement program.
Bush was never charged with any crime.
Bush becomes an old politician
In 2019, he moved to Ganassi to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro.
Busch has at least one win in each of his three CGR seasons in Kentucky, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
His win in Atlanta this season ensures that 2021 will be his eighth straight NASCAR Cup win.
It also booked him a playoff spot.
As one of the most experienced drivers in Cup history, Busch’s expertise will be critical to the 23XI in 2022.
The team is currently a solo entry for Wallace and is experiencing growing pains in the 2021 season.
Busch’s experience working with the team to develop the car will be invaluable, especially as NASCAR introduces the all-new NextGen car.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
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Jack usually writes or reads anything related to motorsport – from Formula 1 to NASCAR to British truck racing. His work as a motorsport reporter has been published in prestigious media such as Autosport, Motorsport.com and Motorsport News. In addition to racing, he is an avid amateur astronomer, podcast listener, and enjoys walks in the park with his three dogs.
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