NASCAR: Kyle Busch to 23XI Racing in 2022?

Kurt Busch is set to join 23XI Racing for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, but ESPN reported that it is Kyle Busch set to join the team.

It was reported several months ago that Kurt Busch was the top candidate to join 23XI Racing for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season if the team were to expand from one car to two cars.

That news was finally confirmed on Friday evening. Busch is set to drive the #45 Toyota for 23XI Racing alongside Bubba Wallace next year in what is set to be his 22nd season as a full-time driver in the Cup Series. In 746 career starts over 22 years, he has never competed for Toyota, but that is set to change in 2022.

Upon confirmation of this news, ESPN published that it was not Kurt but Kyle Busch who is set to join the team co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Kyle is already under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, the team for which he has driven since 2008 and won two of the last six championships and secured 55 of his 59 career race victories. Joe Gibbs Racing do have a technical alliance with 23XI Racing.

The 36-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada native had a bit of fun with this mistake and held a fake “press conference” to address his “excitement” about joining Hamlin, who already happens to be his teammate, Jordan and Wallace next year.

Asked about his new car number, Busch stated the following.

"“Well, I feel as though it’s going to be #32 or #45. Obviously, that’s kind of the way it ties in.”"

Asked about his thoughts on the team ownership, here is what he had to add.

"“I am so excited. This is going to be a great opportunity for me. I grew up a huge fan of Michael Jordan. My wife’s from Chicago, Illinois. So this is going to be a really cool time for me to work with Michael Jordan and to be a part of his race team.”"

But when asked if he will be starring in Space Jam 3, Busch’s friend jumped in.

"“No more questions.”"

Take a look below.

https://twitter.com/KyleBusch/status/1431438058847674368

As for Busch’s actual contract to drive the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, it runs through at least the 2022 season.