Kurt Bosch announces NASCAR’s future plans

The 2004 Cup Series champion just made a big announcement. Kurt Busch has revealed that he will be stepping away from the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2023.

Bosch made the announcement on October 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He met with members of the media and explained that he continues to focus on his recovery from a concussion and that this decision stems from “being selfless”. He will go on to participate in 23XI Racing, Toyota Racing and NASCAR. He just wouldn’t be racing full time and pursuing championships.

“I know I’m not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Bush said in a statement and at his press conference. “These are the best drivers, and lately, I haven’t been feeling my best.

“The doctors came to the conclusion that it was best for me to ‘close it’ for the season. Even though I’ve made solid gains since working with the top professionals and the team at Toyota Performance Center, I’m still not 100% and still not allowed to compete.”

Bush faced questions about his “legacy” and how he had a reputation for improving each team. He responded by saying that he has matured over the years as different parts of the respective team owners’ personalities have been adopted.

Busch ends his full-time career with Hall of Fame resume

GTKurt Bosch has won 34 Cup Series races in his career.

The Las Vegas native didn’t end his full-time career the way he wanted, but he made an impact when he was on the right track. Collect his victories and celebrate the biggest moments while leading a variety of teams.

Bush made his National Series debut for Jack Rush in 2000 while leading the Truck Series. He scored four wins in the #99 Ford, and finished second in the championship standings behind teammate Greg Bevel.

Bosch moved to full-time Cup Series competition in 2005, and has remained in that position ever since. He has racked up 34 career wins at the top level, his 25th on the all-time list. He also won the 2004 championship.

Besides the wins, Busch has made great strides both on and off the track. He grew to become a NASCAR ambassador and one of the most respected drivers in the garage after turning heads for some of the wrong reasons early in his career.

“For more than two decades, we have had the privilege of watching Kurt Bosch compete,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps. “He has proven to be a champion on the racetrack, but perhaps just as important, he has grown into a true ambassador for the sport. Kurt’s quest to improve the future of motorsports has set him apart. We are delighted that he will remain in our sport as a leader and trusted supplier. Kurt’s unparalleled passion gives us Racing has the hope of seeing him in a race car again.”

It’s possible that Bush has circled some events when he’s ready

While Busch is staying away from competition full time, he won’t be leaving racing entirely. He will obviously have a role at 23XI Racing. He also said he could compete in select races in the future after getting back to 100%.

The former hero does not have a specific list of events yet. His decision to step away from competing full time came recently, so everything is in progress. Although he specifically stated that he still wanted to win the Watkins Glen International after finishing second behind Juan Pablo Montoya in 2010.

Bush also mentioned the Michigan International Motorcycle Highway as a possibility due to the potential to complete a unique roster. He won two miles of race with Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet. The only missing team is Toyota.

Aside from the NASCAR races, there are also some bucket list items that Busch wants to complete. There are some races in Australia and Asia, as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Another option that Bosch mentioned does not involve getting into a race car. Instead, he made it clear that he would talk to FOX Sports about the possibility of doing some work in the cabin after helping cover several Truck Series races in the past.