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NASCAR: Kurt Busch shows little concern over not yet having ride in 2018

By Dustin Smith

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 29: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, drives during the NASCAR Victory Lap Fueled by Sunoco on November 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 29: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, drives during the NASCAR Victory Lap Fueled by Sunoco on November 29, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /
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The 2004 NASCAR Champion, Kurt Busch, is still without a ride for 2018. That fact does not seem to bother him too much, though.

We’re a little over two weeks removed from the conclusion of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season. The bad news is Kurt Busch still does not have a contract. For most drivers, this would cause some anxiety, but not for Busch, who believes he will have a deal in place soon.

For starters, we know the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series will be without Matt Kenseth, Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Imagine if the season starts without another former champion, Kurt Busch. However, Busch is not worried about his chances of signing a new deal.

The 18-year NASCAR veteran completed the final year of his contract with Stewart-Haas Racing. The good news is Busch and Stewart-Haas are currently in the negotiation process. In fact, NBC Sports writer, Dustin Long spoke with Busch on NBCSports.com and he stated the following:

"“I’m not too worried about it. No deadline. I think with the support I have from Monster (Energy) and the support I have from Ford, everybody is on the same page. It’s more about the people and plugging in the right puzzle pieces in the right place.’’"

I wouldn’t be too surprised to see an announcement in the coming weeks of Busch signing with Stewart-Haas Racing. However, NASCAR is headed in the direction of a youthful overhaul, which does not help Busch. The best option for the team may just be to give a young driver a shot in the 41 in 2018.

Reasons why Stewart-Haas Racing needs to re-sign Kurt Busch

At any rate, NASCAR is heading into a 2018 season without Earnhardt Jr., Kenseth, Patrick and potentially Kurt Busch seems like too much to take. Even though other teams are going with younger talent, I feel it is important for Stewart-Haas Racing to keep Busch.

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I want to start by reminding everyone who we are talking about here. It is not some bum off of the streets. Were talking about Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion. If that isn’t enough to convince you, take a minute to remind yourself who the defending Daytona 500 winner is. Looking at Kurt Busch’s resume should easily be enough to earn him a contract.

NASCAR champion….Check

Daytona 500 champion….Check

Whether you want to believe it or not, Kurt Busch is one of the sport’s legends. If you’re Tony Stewart or Gene Haas, the only reason you wouldn’t sign Busch is because of his price tag, which would be a rather unfortunate reason for him not to be in a ride.

Sure, there is plenty of talent in the Xfinity Series and maybe it is time for a new face in the #41 Ford. However, first ballot Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth is being driven out of the sport by youth, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens to Busch. For me, his fire and passion is something the sport needs and I hope to soon read details on his new contract.

Next: NASCAR Playoffs: Pros and Cons

If you were in the shoes of Gene Haas or Tony Stewart, would you renew the contract of Kurt Busch? Do you think Kurt is still one of the best in the NASCAR Cup Series?

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