Denny Hamlin gives candid verdict on Kurt Busch’s cup retirement announcement, says ‘he had his career cut short’
Denny Hamlin has confirmed that Kurt Busch will remain contracted to 23XI Racing in 2023 and 2024.
Follow Us
Kurt Busch and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)
Denny Hamlin has reflected on the retirement announcement of his driver, Kurt Busch, and pointed out that it was cut short. Busch joined Hamlin’s and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing in 2022 to drive their second Cup entry, the No:45 Toyota Camry. He was on his way to becoming the first playoff entrant for the team after a win at Kansas before bad luck knocked on the door.
He hasn’t started a race since Pocono 2022. Busch suffered concussion-like symptoms after crashing into the barrio during price and is yet to get medical clearance to race again. His doctors have told the veteran to a full-time return to the premier division as it’s tress in too much for his health. Hence, the 2004 Cup champion decided to retire from the Cup series.
While discussing his friend’s announcement, Hamlin expressed his mixed opinions about the decision. He loves the decision since it’s what’s best for the driver and, at the same time, hates it because it isn’t as Busch had planned. Hamlin said that the veteran is relieved of the pressure of making a comeback and added that he has been a great asset to the team.
“I love it and I hate it for Kurt. Certainly, he had his career cut short, shorter than what he wanted, for sure. Really happy for him though, to be able to announce this and kind of get the pressure of, ‘Are you going to come back, are you going to come back,’ off of his shoulders. He’s been a great asset to 23XI,” Hamlin said in his Actions Detrimental podcast. (H&T: Yardbreaker)
In case you missed it: Joey Logano SLAMS the culture of children starting their racing careers too young
Denny Hamlin confirms that Kurt Busch will remain with 23XI Racing next season as well
Hamlin pointed out that Busch will remain contracted to 23XI Racing and will continue working with the team in 2023 and 2024. He is given the Chief Fun Director position and claims that the veteran is a valuable asset to the team.
Busch will now be tasked full-time to meet Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, who replaced Busch in the No:45 car. The wealth of experience and expertise the champion driver has is something the team can bank on for the future.
“As you know, he’s still been working with the team this year. He will be working with the team again next year. So, we have him under contract still, to be our ‘Chief Fun Director.’ So he’s been a valuable asset. He’s around the race track. You’ll see him still, here and there. Interacting a lot with our Cup drivers,” Hamlin said.
Discover:
Stay Updated!
Justin P Joy
(4859 Articles Published)