Kurt Busch to Step Away from Full-Time Racing, Reddick to No. 45

by
Peter Stratta
October 15, 2022

Photo Credit to Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kurt Busch to End Full-Time Driving Career, Tyler Reddick Moves to 23XI Racing

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Announced at his home track in Las Vegas, 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch will not return to full-time competition in 2023. The 44-year-old will vacate the No. 45 Toyota at 23XI Racing. This seat is now open for Tyler Reddick, who has been bought out of his 2023 deal at Richard Childress Racing. This is far from a retirement announcement though from the future Hall of Famer; he is still rehabilitating from lingering concussion issues from Pocono in July.

“This NASCAR village is my home and I love it here,” Busch said via Twitter. “28 years ago, I stood in this area of the desert and took a glamour shot with my first race car, which I built with my dad and my family.”

“Racing is all I have ever known. My passion, work ethic, and persistence have helped me reach all the dreams that a kid could dream. There is not one reason why, or one person, or one circumstance, that has made a stronger difference than another. It has taken everything and everyone. With that said, I know I’m not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series. These are the best of the best drivers, and lately, I haven’t felt my best.”

Busch has missed the last 12 races since suffering a concussion due to a qualifying crash at Pocono. The 2017 Daytona 500 champion added his 34th career victory earlier this season at Kansas. He did relinquish his Playoff berth though in the Pocono aftermath.

Busch reiterated in this announcement that he is not done driving. He will however no longer be pursuing a NASCAR Cup title. Busch has made great strides in his efforts to get back into race-shape. Vestibular movements are still plaguing Busch though, keeping him out of the seat.

In the short-term, Kurt’s removal as a full-time competitor opens up a coveted seat at 23XI Racing. The No. 45 will go to Tyler Reddick in 2023, who was initially slated to make this move in 2024. Toyota and 23XI have bought Reddick out of his one-year option at Richard Childress Racing, avoiding what would have been a quite awkward lame duck season at the Chevrolet team.

“Kurt’s decision to step away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition next year is certainly not something anyone expected when we started the season together and celebrated in victory lane at Kansas Speedway earlier this year,” said TRD President David Wilson. “Unfortunate circumstances led Kurt to a difficult decision, but we know that he will continue to contribute to the entire program at Toyota, TRD and 23XI Racing. He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and firsthand championship experience to his team and fellow Toyota competitors. We’re here to support Kurt in this next chapter of his career and look forward to continuing to work alongside him.”

Do not expect Pocono to have been the last ride for Busch in a NASCAR Cup car. While Busch’s health is a top priority for all involved, the past champion does want to return for a true final sendoff. Busch mentioned Darlington and Watkins Glen as two tracks where he still yearns to win. The competitive fire is certainly still alive and well inside the elder Busch brother. However, it will be 2023 before we see Busch back behind the wheel again.

Busch did also tease possibly working as a television analyst with Fox Sports, a role he has previously held with Xfinity and Truck Series broadcasts. Stay tuned for any future updates on Busch’s health status or driving schedule.