Kurt Busch, the first champion in NASCAR’s revised point system in 2014, announced on Saturday that he was retiring.
On social media the 45-year-old posted a video where he made the announcement.
“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. “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.
Thank you to everyone who helped me accomplish my dream. pic.twitter.com/QiNiqSx0U4
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) August 26, 2023
“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.”
Busch has been out of action since a crash at Pocono Raceway in 2022. It remains unclear what is next for the driver who stayed around as a mentor for 23XI Racing drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace while also remaining as a brand ambassador of Monster Energy.
At Las Vegas last year Busch announced that he was stepping away from full-time racing but did not mention retirement.
