5 drivers best suited for a NASCAR-IndyCar crossover

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Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing, NASCAR (Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports) /

NASCAR/IndyCar crossover candidates: No. 4 – Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch has been one of the top drivers in NASCAR for over a decade. He owns the all-time record with 228 wins across all three of national series, and there is still plenty of time for him to add to that total. On top of all the wins, he is a two-time Cup Series champion, having won the title in 2015 and 2019.

In the past, Busch has come very close to competing in the Indy 500, most notably in 2016. However, his team owner at the time, Joe Gibbs, did not allow him to compete in the event.

But Busch is now with Richard Childress Racing and has been cleared to compete in the race. Being a Chevrolet driver, his only real options come through IndyCar’s Chevrolet teams. He was in serious consideration for Arrow McLaren’s fourth Indy 500 entry this year before the team ultimately went with Tony Kanaan.

With Larson set to run the event in both 2024 and 2025, it’s unlikely that Arrow McLaren will field another car for Busch, which leaves teams such as Team Penske, Ed Carpenter Racing, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, and Juncos Hollinger Racing as potential options.

Ed Carpenter Racing and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing have both been known to field extra teams for the Indy 500, on top of the aforementioned Team Penske. A.J. Foyt Enterprises, which experienced a resurgence in this year’s running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, have done so before as well.

While Busch is no longer the one making calls, there is still a strong possibility that someone steps up and offers him a ride.