"I don’t feel committing at this point": When Kurt Busch stepped away from NASCAR to focus on his health

Former NASCAR driver Kurt Busch retired from the world of Racing in 2023 following his crash at the Pocono Raceway in 2022. However, the former NASCAR champion didn't announce his retirement straight away. At first, he decided to step away from the series as a full-time driver, but still kept part-time roles in consideration.

Busch crashed his #45 23XI Racing Toyota at the Pocono Raceway on July 23, 2022, during the qualifying session. The crash led to a head injury with concussion-like symptoms. The American didn't get the medical clearance to race in the remainder of the season following his crash and withdrew from the playoffs.

Busch came out on October 15, 2022, to give an update on his condition, and announced his move away from a full-time Cup Series driver role for 2023 as he wanted to prioritize his health.

“I know I'm not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series. These are the best of the best drivers, and lately, I haven't felt my best," Kurt Busch said.

“The doctors have come to the conclusion that it is best for me to "shut it down" for this season. Even though I have made solid gains since I have been working with top specialists, and the team at Toyota Performance Center, I'm still not 100% and I'm still not cleared to compete.”

“As I continue to focus on my health and work towards being cleared, I will be stepping away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2023. My long-term health is priority number one, and I don't feel committing at this point to compete for a championship next year is in my best interest or the best interest of the team.”

Kurt Busch did not return to race in the 2023 Cup Series for even a single race and on August 26, 2023, he made the official announcement regarding his retirement from the Cup Series.

Busch’s NASCAR Cup Series career spanned over 24 years and he participated in 776 races. The 46-year-old won the 2004 Cup Series title with Roush Racing as he ended his career with 34 wins and 339 top ten results.

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Kurt Busch is hopeful of getting “clearance to race” for 2025

After announcing his retirement, Kurt Busch took up the role of a coach at 23XI and helped Tyler Reddick reach the final four. As Busch didn't receive the clearance to race from his doctors, he still found a way of being connected to the Cup Series.

NASCAR: Cup Practice and Qualifying - Source: Imagn

The American is hopeful of getting clearance to return to racing in 2025. He said in December 2024 (via Racer):

“Right now for 2025, I’m still endorsed with Monster Energy. I’m hopeful to get a light duty type of clearance to race with my neurologist, which would then open up some opportunity for me.”

“Whether it’s late model races, or I was invited to Race of Champions, which will be in Sydney in 2025. I’d love to go and represent the USA. This would give me an opportunity to go back for my third time.”

However, Kurt Busch is still not at 100% and continues to suffer from symptoms of head trauma. There are still a few neurological steps to be taken before he gets the medical clearance.