Denny Hamlin responds to Kurt Bush’s big change

23XI Racing’s Kurt Busch announced on October 15 that he will be dropping the Cup series full-time while focusing on his health. Now team owner Denny Hamlin has responded by praising Bush’s impact on the organization.

Hamlin met with members of the media after the Bush announcement at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He explained that the team was hoping to see Bosch start racing more than he did, but also noted that the veteran driver came closer to his recovery better than he had.

“Sure, it’s a loss for our team,” Hamlin said during his media presence on October 15, “I really wanted Kurt to be a part of this for at least two years and maybe a third year. Obviously only having half a season was not what we intended, but at the time Just the short was a part of our organization, he made it even better.

“I mean, he did what we expected and beyond very quickly. I think we will continue to reap the benefits of being a part of our team even if it is outside the realm of being a race car driver, and we will move on to Tyler [Reddick] Next year.”

Busch 20 made a start for the 23XI

GTKurt Busch speaks to members of the media at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Bosch acquired the 45th Toyota Camry TRD at the start of the 2022 season, and has made strong showings in just 20 Cup Championships. He scored eight of the top 10 runs, five of the top five, and a win at Kansas Speedway where he set a new record for organized tours (116).

While Busch made only 20 starts, he took 23XI Racing’s win as an organization. He also had a positive effect on teammate Bubba Wallace, something many people have mentioned as the 29-year-old has turned in a career season.

“Being a teacher with Bubba, I mean, baby is great,” Bush said during his press conference. “The steps he’s taken since my accident. His average finish is in the top five since my accident, the way he’s carried and this team, we’re going to take it to the next level.”

Busch will continue to serve as Wallace’s mentor, and will also do so with Tyler Reddick. It will pay to help the two-time Xfinity Series Champion be a major factor in the Cup Series for years to come.

Bush doesn’t know exactly what his future holds

GTKurt Bosch has several options before him.

Will Busch immediately move into an executive position with 23XI Racing, or will he focus on something else first? He’ll obviously have a role with the team while helping to mentor Wallace and Riddick, but Busch could also join FOX Sports for some time in the booth having previously worked as an analyst during select races.

The 2004 Cup Series champion doesn’t have an exact answer, so soon after he made the decision to stop competing full time. What he does know, however, is that he has no regrets at this time.

“I’m at peace with where things are,” Bush said. “I was just about to finish my contract and that full drive for a championship. I was pretty close to that anywhere. It happened a little earlier. But for the sake of racing part-time and enjoying things with less pressure I think it would help get things done and close that door. “.