Kurt Busch shares photos “prepping” for the Baja 1000 with the ‘Baja Bandits’

Former NASCAR driver Kurt Busch is preparing to return to the racetrack in 2025. The Cup Series champion, who retired in 2023, is set to participate in the iconic American dirt race, Baja 1000.

NASCAR Cup Series champion and Kyle Busch's elder brother bid farewell to NASCAR midway through the 2023 campaign. The Las Vegas, Nevada native found himself entangled in a major crash at the Pocono Raceway in 2022. Consequent to his injuries, Busch announced his retirement in 2023.

However, the former 23XI Racing driver is on track to return to racing later this year. Despite the difficulties surrounding his return, Busch plans to compete in the grueling Baja 100 race.

In a recent Instagram post, Kurt Busch shared a glimpse of his preparation for the race, showcasing his enthusiasm for the upcoming adventure. Alongside racing comrades Riley Herbst, Brendan Gaughan, and Aaron Ampudia, Busch was seen testing Trophy trucks on the scenic beaches of Baja. Captioning his post, he wrote:

“Baja Bandits prepping for the Baja 1000 2025 #TEAMKURTBUSCH #baja1000 @brendan62 @ampudia @rileyherbst @terribleherbstmotorsports @rodamp36 @southpointlv who’s with me?!”

The Baja 1000 has drawn competitors from the motorsports spectrum, including MotoCross racers, off-road drivers, and even NASCAR veterans. Conducted annually in the terrain of Baja California, Mexico, the event is renowned for its extreme conditions and high intensity.

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Kurt Busch on his recovery post-Pocono injury

While he is on track for his off-road debut, Kurt Busch's recovery has been long and arduous. Speaking to RACER, he candidly discussed the lingering effects of his Pocono crash and the extensive therapy he underwent.

"I’m feeling much, much better since the summer wreck in 2022 and all of the different physical therapy, different neurologist visits. It was taxing for a while. Basically every other day it was a doctor visit somewhere and going to get hearing checked, eyes checked, balance checked," Kurt Busch said.

Busch revealed that the crash significantly impacted vestibular movements affecting balance and spatial orientation, adding:

"The vestibular movements were what was greatly affected. I still feel the lingering effects but it has calmed down, and it has been through all the physical therapy and all the great doctors who have helped me."

Over 23 years in NASCAR, Busch competed in more than 700 races, securing 34 victories. His first win came in 2000 at Dover, and his final NASCAR victory was in 2022 at New Hampshire.