NASCAR: Top 3 biggest driver changes for 2022
By Asher Fair
Top driver changes for 2022: No. 2 – Kurt Busch to 23XI Racing
Speaking of Kurt Busch, he ended up exactly where many believed he would in a scenario where he was not picked up by Trackhouse Racing Team as their second driver: 23XI Racing.
Speculation was rife earlier in the year about Busch potentially hanging up his helmet after the 2021 season, especially after longtime primary sponsor Monster Energy released a video in which he discussed this very possibility and basically said that he would be more than content walking away, given what he has accomplished.
But as the great Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend.”
Busch initially signed a two-year extension with Chip Ganassi Racing back in 2019 because he wanted the chance to drive the Next Gen car in 2021. But with various COVID-19-related restrictions throughout last year, the decision was made to postpone that car’s launch to 2022.
Naturally, the 2004 champion didn’t suddenly lose the desire to want to drive that car. So he is set to move to the Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan-owned team, another new one-car team this year, in a second entry alongside current driver Bubba Wallace in the #23 Toyota.
Busch is set to pilot the #45 Toyota. In 22 years of Cup Series competition, he has never driven for Toyota, so this will truly mark a new beginning for the 33-time race winner.