The No:45 team and 23X1 Racing, along with the NASCAR community, have been missing the presence of the longest-serving active cup driver on the track, Kurt Busch, as the veteran is yet to make a comeback from the concussion he suffered in Pocono. Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity series driver Ty Gibbs has been driving the No:45 Camry ever since as a substitute to the veteran, which will continue beyond the regular season.
Kurt Busch has announced that he will be missing out on the first race of the playoff, which means the veteran won’t be a playoff contender after his return as NASCAR has canceled the medical Waiver given to him for playoff entry. Ty Gibbs will still drive the car for the team as the 23X1 Racing team is still part of the constructer’s championship.
Find out what Kurt Busch said
Kurt Busch put out a statement regarding the pull-out in his social media hands where he acknowledges that the time isn’t right for him to make a comeback regardless of how much he wanted to make a return to drive the No:45 car. He added that he is neither cleared nor ready to make a comeback to the cup grid before playoffs.
“As much as I wanted and hoped to be able to get back in the No. 45 car to make a playoff run with our team, it’s still not the right time for me. In addition to not being cleared to return to racing, I know that I am not ready to be back in the car,” Kurt Busch said.
Kurt Busch went on to state that his respect for NASCAR, his competitors, and the fans made him pull out and that she should be taking up the playoff spot if he isn’t able to put up a fight for the championship. He added that he will continue to guide 23X1 to success and will be preparing himself for the comeback after such a tough decision, which is the right one.
“I respect the sport of NASCAR, my fellow drivers, and the fans too much to take up a playoff spot if I know I can’t compete for a championship this season. The decision was not an easy one, but I know it is the right thing to do. I will continue to take time to heal and strengthen as I prepare to be back in the car and will do all I can to help 23XI continue the success we have had this season,” Kurt Busch added.
Steve Lauletta, the 23X1 Racing President, acknowledged that Kurt Busch has elevated the entire organization this year and pointed out that the certain will play a vital role in the competition group of the team to improve them and make them better.
“Kurt has elevated our entire organization this year. Although Kurt will not be competing for a championship this season, he will continue to play a vital role in the organization as he works with our competition group to keep improving and strengthening the team.” said Steve Lauletta.
The absence of Kurt Busch has once again opened the playoff chase as one among the winless drivers, Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney, or both will enter the playoff depending on the season finale results at Daytona.
Who will take over the playoff spot vacated by Kurt Busch?
