Kurt Busch reflects on how he wants to be remembered by fans after retirement

Unfortunately, Kurt Busch is not going to be able to return to NASCAR. So, he’s called it a career, a Hall of Fame one at that. When you consider all that he has accomplished in a stock car, it is legendary. Then you consider everything he did on dirt, in IndyCar, and pretty much anything that had an engine and a steering wheel – it elevates it to another level.

Kurt Busch has always been firey. He’s always raced guys door to door, right up to the line – even if they happen to be his own brother. Especially if it happens to be his own brother. From wins, to pole awards, wild wrecks, and heartbreaking finishes – Busch has been there and done that.

In many ways, what makes Kurt and his brother Kyle Busch so exciting, and polarizing at times in their careers, is their passion. Their showmanship abilities behind the wheel either exhilarate you or piss you off.

Kurt wants fans to remember him for being a “racer’s racer,” according to an interview he did with Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic.

“I always wanted fans to be able to count on me for a solid race. To be that top-10 kind of guy that fans could root for and brag about,” Busch explained. “I wanted to be somebody that fans could count on for speaking the truth and have fun while doing it and also be up front and be competitive.

“I want to be remembered as a racer’s racer. Someone who started on dirt, won in all NASCAR divisions, drag raced in NHRA Pro Stock, raced in the Indy 500, and a rally car in Europe. As a champion who wore his emotions on his sleeve.”

I think fans have no problem remembering him in that way.

Kurt Busch gets touching message from brother Kyle

Of course, Kyle Busch has to be involved somehow. The Busch brothers have had a very interesting relationship. At one point, the two didn’t talk after a wreck in the All-Star race. It took both of them out of the running for a $1,000,000 payday. However, the two are close now and want to see each other succeed.

Rowdy let his brother know that he was proud of him after his retirement announcement.

“Congratulations [Kurt Busch]. Proud to have a front row seat for your career from the very beginning working on your cars, racing against you to watching you become a NASCAR Champion and appreciating all your accomplishments. I will miss you out there every Sunday!”

Funny enough, Tom Busch is listed on the roster as a spotter for Chase Purdy of Kyle Busch Motorsports. The Truck Series is in Milwaukee this weekend. So, Dad wasn’t in Daytona. However, I’m sure the Busch family will get together and celebrate Kurt’s career in due time.