Kurt Busch, a seasoned NASCAR driver, recently conveyed his appreciation to Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan for the chance to contribute to 23XI Racing. Though Busch no longer races, he remains actively involved with the team as a consultant and mentor, helping guide drivers and shaping the organization’s direction. This ongoing connection allows him to share his vast experience from a 23-year NASCAR career while staying close to the sport he loves.
Overview of Kurt Busch’s Accomplished Racing Career
Throughout his extensive racing tenure, Busch amassed 43 wins spanning NASCAR’s top three series, with 34 of those victories coming in the Cup Series. His achievements include prestigious event wins such as the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, along with an IROC championship. Busch’s defining moment arrived in 2004 when he secured the Cup Series title driving the #97 Ford for Roush Racing, now known as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.
Recognition for the Opportunity Provided by Hamlin and Jordan
In a message shared on the social platform X, Busch thanked Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—co-owners of 23XI Racing—for entrusting him with an important role within the team. This opportunity allowed him to apply his decades of expertise at the highest level of stock car racing.
“Finishing my career with @23xiracing was the icing on the cake. Getting a call from @dennyhamlin@toyotaracing and MJ, asking me to come on board and start a new team meant the world to me. Perfect opportunity to give my two decades of experience to,” Kurt Busch wrote on X.
Impact of Busch’s Injury and Transition Within 23XI Racing
Busch’s driving career ended unexpectedly in 2022 following a concussion sustained in a crash at Pocono Raceway while driving the #45 Toyota for 23XI Racing. This injury sidelined him, paving the way for Tyler Reddick to assume the #45 Toyota seat. Reddick has since built on this opportunity, capturing the 2024 regular-season title with the team.
Kurt Busch’s Upcoming NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction
In a recent announcement, Kurt Busch was named an inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, with the induction ceremony scheduled for early next year prior to the start of the new NASCAR season. This honor acknowledges Busch’s significant contributions and sustained success throughout his career.
Kurt Busch Reflects on Hall of Fame Election Surprise
After learning of his selection for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Busch admitted to feeling surprised when his name was the last called during the announcement. He shared his emotions while watching highlights of his career and remarked on the great respect he has for the other inductees and nominees.
“I had to go like into racer mode. I had to kind of stay focused on the emotions of it, but also you’re listening to all of the statistics and all of the heroes that I looked up to and raced against and the ones that are on the ballot with me,” he said [20:28 onwards].
“Everyone’s deserving, and I was fingers crossed hoping that it would happen. But either way, I would still be here to celebrate our past, our present, and our future,” Kurt Busch added.
Upcoming Cup Series Event Honoring Busch’s Past Victory
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, a highlight race that Busch won in 2010. Fans can watch the event live on Amazon Prime Video on May 25 at 6:00 PM Eastern, marking a special occasion that coincides with Busch’s celebrated legacy in the sport.
