Kurt Busch will step away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition next season.
During a press conference Saturday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Busch said he will not compete full time in NASCAR’s premier series, to focus on his health.
The announcement comes after the driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota sustained a concussion during qualifying at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in July.
Busch posted a statement on social media, detailing the news.
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) October 15, 2022
“As I continue to focus on my health and work toward being cleared, I will be stepping away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2023,” Busch said.
“My long-term health is priority No. 1 and I don’t feel committing at this point to compete for a championship next year is my best interest or the best interest of the team.”
Regarding who would fill his seat in 2023, Busch confirmed in the statement that Tyler Reddick, who was set to join 23XI Racing in 2024, will pilot the No. 45 Toyota next season.
“We’re building something special here and I look forward to continuing working with Bubba (Wallace) off the track as well as Tyler Reddick, who will join the team next year to drive the No. 45 Toyota.”
23XI Racing issued a statement addressing Busch’s decision and the addition of Reddick to the team.
“From the day Kurt Busch joined our team we knew he was going to elevate our organization in many ways. From earning 23XI our first playoff berth with his commanding win at Kansas Speedway to numerous hours spent off the track helping to grow our program, Kurt has made us better. This season took an unexpected turn with his injury,” the statement said. “Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Kurt has not stopped being a true professional and a trusted teammate. We fully support Kurt’s decision to focus on his health and are grateful for his guidance as our team builds a strong foundation for the future.
“With Kurt choosing to not race full-time next year, 23XI Racing announced today that upon reaching an agreement with Richard Childress Racing, Tyler Reddick will join 23XI in 2023 to drive the No. 45 Toyota Camry TRD. We look forward to competing against Tyler over the remaining four weeks of the season and look forward to having him join our team thereafter.”
Richard Childress Racing posted a statement on social media, confirming Reddick’s departure after the season.
— RCR (@RCRracing) October 15, 2022
“Richard Childress Racing has agreed to release Tyler Reddick to drive for 23XI in 2023. With Kyle Busch coming to RCR next year, we believe it is in our mutual best interest to focus on building successful programs for the future. RCR and Tyler have enjoyed a great deal of success together, and everyone at RCR wishes him well.”
David Wilson, president of TRD U.S.A., also released a statement.
“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,” Wilson said. “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.”
Busch, 44, amassed a prolific résumé during his 20-plus season in the Cup Series, which includes 34 victories, a Daytona 500 triumph in 2017, and the 2004 Cup Series championship.
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