Kurt Busch announced his retirement from NASCAR Cup Series competition on Saturday afternoon in a video posted on social media.
Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion and 34-time race winner, did not return to racing after suffering a concussion in a qualifying crash at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway on July 24, 2022.
During a press conference in the fall at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Busch announced he was stepping away from full-time racing this season.
Despite being out of his seat as the driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, the 45-year-old Las Vegas native took on a new role with the team in a consulting role and as a mentor for current teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.
Thank you to everyone who helped me accomplish my dream. pic.twitter.com/QiNiqSx0U4
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) August 26, 2023
“Racing requires 100 percent of focus, heart, stamina and determination, and I’ve never raced a day without all of that in mind,” Busch said in the video. “But sometimes father time can catch up to your dreams. My incredible team of doctors and I have come to the conclusion that at this point in my recovery there are just too many obstacles for me to overcome and get back to 100 percent.”
“So, after 23 years behind the wheel and 45 years of living and breathing this dream, I’m officially announcing my retirement from NASCAR Cup Series competition.”
Among his laundry list of career accomplishments, Busch also won the 2017 Daytona 500 with Stewart-Haas Racing. His last victory came at Kansas Speedway last season for 23XI Racing.