NASCAR Cup Series: Kurt Busch to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in 2019
By Asher Fair
Kurt Busch is set to drive for Chip Ganassi Racing in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season after confirming that he will not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing.
In August, it was speculated that Kurt Busch would not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season and that he would instead replace Jamie McMurray behind the wheel of the #1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet.
In September, it was confirmed that McMurray would not be returning to Chip Ganassi Racing next season, and earlier this week, it was confirmed that Busch would not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing as the driver of the #41 Ford in 2019, which would have been his sixth season driving for the team.
It has now been confirmed that the 40-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada native will indeed replace the 42-year-old Joplin, Missouri native behind the wheel of the #1 Chevrolet beginning in the 2019 season. Monster Energy is set to continue to be his primary sponsor.
Busch confirmed this news by posting a video on Twitter.
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) December 4, 2018
Here is what Busch had to say about the opportunity to drive the #1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the 2019 season, according to NASCAR.
"“I am tremendously proud to be joining Chip Ganassi Racing and the prestigious group of alumni. Along with Monster Energy, winning races and competing at the highest level, it’s what we are all about. Ganassi’s forward thinking approach is why I have decided to commit all my years of Monster Energy Cup experience to CGR.”"
Here is what Chip Ganassi Racing team owner Chip Ganassi had to say about Busch driving for the team in the 2019 season, according to NASCAR.
"“We have had the good fortune of having a lot of great drivers here at Chip Ganassi Racing across all forms of racing and Kurt Busch adds to that list of great drivers. He is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and Daytona 500 winner and I believe still has a burning desire to win races and compete for a championship. In addition, getting to work with and represent a brand like Monster Energy makes it even that much more exciting.”"
More from NASCAR Cup Series
- NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
- NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
- NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
- NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
- NASCAR team adds third car, names driver for 2024 Daytona 500
Over the course of his 19-year Cup Series career so far, the 2004 champion has competed full-time for 18 seasons, and he has competed in a total of 648 races. In these 648 races, he has earned a total of 30 victories, 137 top five finishes, 280 top 10 finishes and 27 pole positions. He has driven for Roush Racing, Team Penske, Phoenix Racing, Furniture Row Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing.
Busch’s replacement behind the wheel of the #41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has not yet been named, but Daniel Suarez has emerged as the likely candidate to drive that car next season. It is not yet known what McMurray’s future plans are.
Next. Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time. dark
How will Kurt Busch perform in what is set to be his 20th overall season in the NASCAR Cup Series, his 19th season as a full-time driver and his first season driving for Chip Ganassi Racing next year? Who will end up replacing him behind the wheel of the #41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, and what will Jamie McMurray end up doing? The 2019 season is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, February 17, 2019 with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.