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Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kurt Busch seemed to be in the New Year's spirit as he took to social media to share a variety of photos from the occasion, including one with his girlfriend, Lyda Moore.
The former driver of the #45 23XI Racing Toyota took to his Instagram stories to share a group photo from New Year's Eve. Busch penned a caption that read:
"Hello 2025"
The 46-year-old then shared another group photo, this time without a caption, and was seen wearing a humorous pair of 2025 sunglasses.
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The 2004 Cup Series champion's third and final Instagram stories post was a selfie of him and Moore together, with the former seen in a New Year's Eve-themed white fedora hat. The former driver also tagged Moore in the post.
Busch stepped away from full-time Cup Series competition towards the end of the 2022 season. Amid his first season with 23XI Racing, Busch withdrew midway through the year after a hard crash at the Pocono Raceway left him with concussion symptoms. Ty Gibbs, the now-driver of the #54 Joe Gibbs Racing car, filled in for Busch.
Busch won 34 career Cup Series races throughout his 22-year career, most notably winning the 2017 Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the #41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford. The older brother of two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch won the 2004 championship, which was the first season under a playoffs format.
Busch drove for seven different teams in his Cup Series career, including Roush Fenway Racing from 2001-2005, Team Penske from 2006-2011, Phoenix Racing in 2012, Furniture Row Racing in 2013, Stewart-Haas Racing from 2014-2018, Chip Ganassi Racing from 2019-2021, and 23XI Racing in 2022. His final career win came at Kansas in May 2022.
When did Kurt Busch officially announce NASCAR retirement?
Kurt Busch announced in October 2022 that he was stepping away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition. However, in August 2023, the 34-time winner confirmed that he was retiring from NASCAR completely.
In a lengthy statement in a press conference at the Daytona International Speedway, Busch thanked everyone who's ever supported his racing journey as he made his retirement official.
“So many people have been part of my journey. I want to thank the fans, my family, friends, sponsors and team members. Thanks to everyone who has taught me the different things around the motorsports world, and also for those who have had to put up with me. And I want to just thank again, everyone that continues to push me to strive for success in this sport. It’s time for a new journey, and I’m excited to get started,” Kurt Busch said via NASCAR.
Since retirement, Busch has made a few appearances as a broadcaster for FOX NASCAR. He has also been seen at the track with 23XI Racing on multiple occasions.
