DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR champion who took a step back from racing in the previous season due to a significant concussion, officially announced his retirement on Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway.
At 45 years old, Busch struggled to contain his emotions as he made public his decision to conclude his racing career. He did so while seated on the exact stage where he had celebrated one of his most unforgettable victories in the Cup Series – the 2017 Daytona 500.
Addressing the media, Busch openly shared his feelings, stating, “I find myself in a battle against the relentless march of time.” He revealed that he had been dealing with arthritis and gout, which added to the complexities of recovering from a rear-impact crash that had left his brain shaken.
With a deep sense of contentment, he expressed, “I look back on my journey and experiences with genuine satisfaction. I carry no remorse for embracing the opportunity to compete at the highest level of NASCAR.”
Sitting towards the back of the media center during the announcement was his younger brother, Kyle. Notable personalities from NASCAR, including Jim France, Ben Kennedy, Steve O’Donnell, and Mike Helton, were in attendance. They were joined by various Toyota executives, as well as Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, both drivers from 23IX Racing.
Busch, a Las Vegas native, underwent a life-altering concussion during a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway the previous summer. The impact, which caused his Toyota to strike the wall in reverse, raised concerns about the safety of the Next Gen cars due to the intense G-forces involved.
In response to the incidents that affected drivers in 2022 due to rear-impact collisions, NASCAR dedicated a significant portion of the off-season to refining its vehicles. Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports missed five races due to a concussion, and other drivers also expressed worries about the severity of routine impacts and the potential for head injuries.
During his announcement on Saturday, Busch shared that he continues to make gradual progress and envisions a potential return to racing in the future. However, he refrained from setting a specific timeline for his comeback, stating, “The situation is not as dire as it was last summer or fall.”
Throughout his 23-year career in the Cup Series, Busch achieved victory in 34 races out of 776 starts. He transitioned into a consulting role with his former team, 23XI Racing, and the Toyota brand. He offered guidance to fellow drivers, such as Travis Pastrana during last year’s Daytona 500, and extended his support to anyone seeking advice within the racing community.
“Participating in NASCAR’s highest echelons demands unwavering focus, determination, physical endurance, and passion,” Busch reflected. “At this juncture, I acknowledge my inability to fulfill the prerequisites required to consistently compete at that level, week after week.”