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Kurt Busch officially announces retirement from NASCAR Cup Series

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra08/26/23SamraSource
Kurt Busch
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kurt Busch has officially announced his retirement.

After stepping away from full-time racing due to health issues last season, some were holding out hope that Busch would try his hand at a comeback, as 23XI Racing was keeping a seat warm for him. However, Busch has decided to make the final decision, retiring from the sport.

The news his airwaves on Saturday afternoon, as Busch made the announcement, accompanied with a video, ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Taking to Twitter, Busch wrote, “Thank you to everyone who helped me accomplish my dream.”

“Dreams, we all have them. Those beautiful things that scare us, and excite us, and drive us forward. Sometimes dreams change over time, and sometimes they take a lifetime to achieve. But me, I only ever had one dream, and I chased mine with 100% of who I am, every single day. Racing at NASCAR’s highest level was always my dream, just ask the blue collar kid from Las Vegas who only ever wanted a shot. I’ve spent 23 years living my dream, and it’s been a hell of a ride for that kid from Nevada,” Busch narrated. “There were crashes, big emotions and big wins over time. Chapters full of blessings that I will never take for granted. To the people that are woven into the moments of my dream, thank you for riding with me. My friends, crew members, my sponsors and most of all, my family. Racing requires 100% of focus, heart, stamina and determination, and I’ve never raced a day without all of that in mind. 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%.

“So after 23 years behind the year, and 45 years of living and breathing this dream, I’m officially announcing my retirement from NASCAR Cup Series competition. To the fans, to my sponsors, to my family, and to the million moments that made my dream come true, thank you, and may we all remember dreams really can come true.”

Kurt Busch amassed a championship title, and 34 victories over his NASCAR Cup Series career. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is his next stop. Congratulations to Kurt Busch on a wonderful career.