“I’m not 100% to race with these guys at this level,” Kurt Busch gives an update on his NASCAR return
If Kurt Busch returns to full-time racing in 2024, he will become the oldest active driver as Kevin Harvick is set to retire.
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Kurt Busch at LA Memorial Colosseum
Kurt Busch was one of the most unfortunate drivers of the 2022 season, if not the most unfortunate. The 23XI Racing veteran was forced to sit out the latter half of the Next-Gen car’s debut season. He suffered concussion-like symptoms from the crash during Pocono Cup race qualifying. For the rest of the season, Ty Gibbs replaced him in the No:45 car.
With limited progress in his recovery, the 2004 Cup champion announced that he would race part-time with the TRD team in the 75th Anniversary season. 23XI replaced him with Tyler Reddick in the No:45 car and built a third team for the potential return of Busch. He is currently focused on his recovery and serving as a mentor for teammates Reddick and Bubba Wallace.
During the Daytona Speedweeks, marking the official opening of the 2023 season, Kurt Busch talked to the media about his recovery. He pointed out that he isn’t 100% fit to race and shared his optimism that he will recover fully. Busch and the doctors are working on his eye movement and balance.
“I just know I’m not 100% to race with these guys at this level. Could I go do a (Sports Car Club of America) club race next week? Probably not wise. Just when I have my head on the headrest, and with that movement, that bothers me. I’ve made progress since August, and I believe there will be a full recovery. But the balance and eye movement now are getting interest,” Kurt Busch said.
“Everyday life is normal. The physical therapists have switched my workouts up a little to a balance type of pad. Has to do with core strength. It’s fatiguing. I notice things that bring me up and then break me down. I have to do a day on and a day off now. In all honesty, I took December off. It was an emotional time, and that’s part of this process, as well,” Kurt Busch added.
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Kurt Busch has already come to terms with the possibility that he might not race again
Though Busch is confident of a return, he has also pondered the possibility of a potential end of his racing career. He said that he is now playing the waiting game, and if a decision has to make about his retirement, he is willing to do that.
“I’m fine with the way that everything has gone. I’d just like to go and race cars. We’ll see where things pan out. Whether it’s my decision or somebody from up above, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m very happy and complacent,” Kurt Busch said.
“To have had this opportunity to race in this sport for 23 years and to hit all the high notes and low notes — I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. It’s a Hollywood ending — going for a pole on your last lap ever. I’m smiling about it. I’m happy with it,” Kurt Busch added.
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Justin P Joy
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