Former NASCAR champion, Kurt Busch, has taken a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his time with racing legend Roger Penske during the “golden years” of their partnership. Busch, who drove the #2 Dodge for Penske Racing, reflected on their successful collaboration during the Car of Tomorrow (COT) era, which was introduced by NASCAR in 2007 for safety improvements.
The COT era was significant for Busch as he clinched 10 out of his 34 career victories with Penske Racing. One of his memorable wins includes his first victory in the #2 car at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2006. Despite experiencing highs and lows during this period, Busch treasured his time with Penske and acknowledged the team’s competitive edge in the NASCAR series.
After parting ways with Penske Racing in 2011, Busch continued his racing journey with various teams, including a brief stint with 23XI Racing in the 2022 season. However, his career took an unexpected turn when a crash during a qualifying session at Pocono Raceway led to a career-ending injury.
In a heartfelt announcement, Busch revealed his decision to retire from full-time racing in 2023, citing concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite facing challenges with his health and performance, Busch expressed gratitude towards his team at 23XI Racing and looked forward to supporting his successors, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.
Following Busch’s retirement, Tyler Reddick took over the #45 Toyota at 23XI Racing for the 2023 season, partnering with Bubba Wallace in a new chapter for the team. Reddick’s transition to the team marks a fresh start for the young driver, who aims to make his mark alongside Wallace under the guidance of team co-owner Michael Jordan.
As Busch bids farewell to a remarkable racing career, his legacy and contributions to the sport remain ingrained in the memories of fans and fellow competitors alike. The NASCAR community honors Busch’s achievements and wishes him well in his future endeavors beyond the racetrack.
