Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is preparing for his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, an honor that highlights the profound impact he has made on the sport. Reflecting on this milestone, Ross Chastain, his former teammate at Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021, shared how Busch’s guidance influenced his own development as a driver during their time together. Chastain, now with Trackhouse Racing, credits Busch’s mentorship as a significant factor in his progress within NASCAR.
Ross Chastain Reflects on Working with Kurt Busch
In 2021, when Chastain joined Chip Ganassi Racing and drove the No. 42 car, he had not yet won a Cup Series race. During that time, he sought guidance from Busch, who was already a seasoned veteran. Chastain described Busch as a motivating force, recalling,
He was really motivating for me when I came into the No. 42 car. I had trained with him and been around him for a couple of years.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Chastain acknowledged the demanding schedule Busch maintained, which he now understands more deeply as he advances in his own career. He shared,
There were a lot of things I could ask him about and he’s like — well, I made that mistake, you know, 18 years ago or something. He’d had some story from way back in the day. It makes more sense now as I kind of step through my career.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Chastain fondly recalls their many conversations and considers Busch’s support an important part of his journey. He summed up their relationship by stating,
He was nothing but good to me,
highlighting the positive influence Busch provided during that key season. In 2021, Chastain finished 20th in the Cup Series driver standings, with Busch ahead in 11th place.
Kurt Busch’s Upcoming NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction
Kurt Busch will be officially inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame next year, joining Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick as this year’s selected honorees. Both Busch and Gant earned their spots through the Modern Era Ballot, receiving 61% of the votes, while Hendrick was chosen from the Pioneer Ballot with 31%. Bob Welborn finished second to Hendrick on the Pioneer ballot.
Busch expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting the achievements of all who were on the ballot. Reflecting on his own background, he said,
“Everyone that’s on the ballot is someone that can go into the Hall because of the impact that they made on the sport. And for me, just a blue-collar kid out of Vegas, I never would have imagined this.”
He nostalgically described his early racing experiences with his father, sharing,
We were a family where it was just a hobby. It was like a hobby to race, it was just fun to go to the track as father-son. Dad had his car and he helped me build mine.
—Kurt Busch, NASCAR Driver
Over his career, Busch demonstrated remarkable adaptability by competing with various top teams including Roush Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. This versatility and lasting influence on the sport made his Hall of Fame induction a fitting tribute to his legacy.
