Why doesn't Kurt Busch drive anymore? All you need to know

Kurt Busch is one of the most renowned NASCAR drivers, and even two years after his retirement, fans and experts continue to remember his on-track days. Busch raked in 776 race appearances in over 24 years driving in the Cup Series and last competed in the series in 2022. However, he does not take to the track anymore as he has retired from all forms of racing.

Busch was born to Thomas and Gaye Busch in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 4, 1978. He is the older brother of Cup Series driver Kyle Busch. Busch started racing at the age of 14 and within a decade, he made it to the Cup Series.

He debuted in the premier form of stock car racing in 2000 with Roush Racing. He raced in the Cup Series for over two decades, where he raced for Chip Ganassi Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Furniture Row Racing, Phoenix Racing, Penske Racing, and 23XI Racing.

During his Cup Series run, he claimed the 2004 Nextel Cup Series Championship, the 2010 Coca-Cola 600 win, the 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race win, the 2017 Daytona 500 win, and was named one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers. Despite having numerous accolades, Kurt Busch had an unfortunate end to his racing career.

During the 2022 M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 race weekend at Pocono, Busch crashed his 23XI Racing Toyota Camry. It was during the qualifying session and as a result; he suffered from concussion-like symptoms.

The 46-year-old's racing that year was immediately over. Ty Gibbs replaced him for the rest of the 2022 season. Busch later announced that he would step away from full-time racing in the Cup Series in 2023.

But he continued as a mentor to Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick (he took over the #45 car in 2023.) Ultimately, Kurt Busch announced his retirement from full-time racing on August 26, 2023, ahead of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

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Kurt Busch revealed what led to his retirement

Kurt Busch addresses the media after announcing his retirement prior to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-Imagn Images

Announcing his retirement at Daytona in August last year, Kurt Busch explained the situation that led to his final decision. Speaking to the media, he said that he was getting old, and no longer felt the spark.

“It’s a few different factors, and my body is having a battle with Father Time. I’ve had arthritis ever since I can remember. My gout has flared up so much that I can barely walk on some days. Just pushing to get through physical therapy and to continue the workouts. I remember last summer, I was trying to not show that emotion, and I barely could even walk to the car at Dover because I had to have some shots pre-race just so that I could move my knee and move my feet.

"Those are those moments where things were starting to add up before things happened at Pocono. So, Father Time. I’m 45 years old. I’m very happy, complacent, and there’s nothing that I look back on and regret about having this opportunity at the top level of NASCAR,"

Busch's illustrious Cup Series career includes 34 wins, 339 top 10s, and 28 pole positions. Busch also raced in Xfinity and Truck Series, notching up five and four race wins, respectively.