After a tumultuous year marked by legal troubles and a break from the racing scene, Kurt Busch, a prominent figure in the Busch family racing dynasty, is back in the spotlight, not just for his return to the track but also for his unexpected admiration for soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
In 2024, Kurt Busch faced a significant setback when he was charged with a DWI in Iredell County, North Carolina, after being caught driving at a speed of 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. The aftermath saw him on supervised probation for a year, shelling out a $500 fine, and dedicating 50 hours to community service. However, this unfortunate incident is now behind him as he refocuses his energy on family, racing, and his passion for sports.
In a recent conversation with the Instagram platform ‘Man of Many’, Kurt Busch gave a peek into his current interests. A surprising revelation came to light when he expressed his profound admiration for football sensation Lionel Messi. Breaking away from the expected preference for NFL or MLB superstars, Busch revealed his desire to swap lives with Messi. “Soccer is growing in America, and I’d love to be Messi for a day. His charisma on the field is something I truly admire,” he shared.
Kurt Busch has weathered a series of challenging moments, only to emerge stronger each time. In 2023, he decided to step back from full-time NASCAR following a severe crash at Pocono Raceway, which resulted in concussion issues. However, in February 2025, he received medical clearance to resume racing and is now looking forward to participating in the Race of Champions (ROC) in Sydney, Australia, alongside Travis Pastrana for Team USA.
Since retiring from full-time racing, Busch has been active behind the scenes, assisting at 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. Hamlin, who continues to race for Joe Gibbs Racing while co-owning 23XI, expressed his gratitude for Busch’s contribution to the team. In a 2023 interview with the Kansas City Star, Hamlin hailed Busch as a significant asset to the team, saying, “He’s worth his weight in gold to us.”
Despite his various commitments, Busch continues to show his playful side to his fans. When asked about a movie car he would love to drive, he instantly named “Herbie the Love Bug”, revealing that he owns a similar Volkswagen Bug at home.
As the world of racing prepares to welcome Kurt Busch back, there’s more excitement brewing in the Busch family. Kurt is eagerly awaiting a family race, a “Battle of the Buschs”, as his brother Kyle teased on Instagram. The race is expected to feature Kurt, Kyle, and Kyle’s son Brexton. With Kurt’s experience, Kyle’s prowess, and Brexton’s emerging talent, fans are eagerly anticipating this thrilling event.
From legal hurdles to physical injuries, Kurt Busch has had his run-ins with adversity. But one thing is clear – he’s back on the track, and he’s ready to make his mark once again, with big dreams featuring the likes of Herbie, Messi, and his own family. The ‘Battle of the Buschs’ promises to be a riveting spectacle, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds!
