NASCAR: Kyle Busch makes ‘announcement’ at Daytona

Kyle Busch made an “announcement” at Daytona International Speedway, though it wasn’t exactly what NASCAR fans were hoping for.

When fans got ahold of the NASCAR Press Pass schedule for Saturday at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series regular season-ending Coke Zero Sugar 400, the fact that Kyle Busch’s name was listed at 4:00 p.m. ET immediately translated to speculation that he would have something to announce.

While the listing was nothing more than his regular weekend media availability, the fact that Busch still hasn’t signed a contract to compete in 2023 has had fans talking for months, and the anticipation is building.

Busch is currently in his 15th season as the driver of the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, and although longtime primary sponsor Mars Wrigley announced at the end of last season that the 2022 season would be their last, many viewed a contract extension for the two-time champion as a formality.

Even when Busch made the cryptic comments he made at Talladega Superspeedway back in April, it was viewed as nothing more than Kyle Busch being Kyle Busch.

But that hasn’t been the case, and after what was once a promising sponsorship development fell through, the 37-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada native is still without a deal to compete next year, and the possibility of him switching teams is seen as increasingly likely.

Busch did indeed use his 4:00 p.m. ET media availability to make an announcement.

And at exactly 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon, his “announcement” was simply that he had no real announcement to make, in an effort to steer questions in another direction.

"“Hold on, first I have an announcement to make. Everybody ready? Ok, there is no announcement. Good? We all good? we clear? Moving on.”"

Of course, he ended up being asked about his situation with Joe Gibbs Racing anyway, specifically if he had turned down an offer to remain with the team in 2023.

"“What did I just say? I said there was no update. This is not the place to start airing any dirty laundry. Just trust me, in time things will work out. And what happens, happens. Again, answering that question could be either positive for me or detrimental for me. So it’s fair to say I cannot answer those sorts of questions in here. I apologize. Or I don’t. I’m not sure which.”"

Busch has reportedly been in contact with teams aligned with all three manufacturers about a ride for next year. Stewart-Haas Racing emerged as the most likely Ford destination for the 60-time race winner, though with Aric Almirola deciding to unretire, that possibility is no longer seen as the top option.

Kaulig Racing has emerged as the top Chevrolet destination and is currently seen as the most likely landing spot if Busch does indeed move on from Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota.