Kurt Busch, a seasoned figure in NASCAR, recently reflected on Denny Hamlin‘s impact on Kurt Busch 23XI Racing career, highlighting his transition from driver to mentor within the organization co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Hamlin. After stepping away from racing due to injury, Busch has expressed appreciation for the continued opportunity to shape 23XI Racing and work with its drivers.
Over a distinguished career spanning 23 years, Busch captured 43 victories across NASCAR’s top series—a tally including 34 wins at the Cup level and hallmark achievements such as triumphs at the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. His crowning achievement arrived in the 2004 season when he clinched the Cup championship for Roush Racing, now known as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. Beyond numbers, Busch credits his final racing chapter at 23XI Racing for affirming the value of his extensive experience in motorsports.
Kurt Busch’s Role at 23XI Racing After Retirement
Though no longer taking the wheel, Busch remains embedded in the day-to-day operations at 23XI Racing, acting as both consultant and mentor. His work supports not only team strategy but also personal development for the roster’s drivers. The partnership with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, both recognized for their competitive drive in their respective sports, provided Busch a defining place to contribute.
Reflecting on his journey, Busch publicly acknowledged his gratitude to the team‘s leadership.
“Finishing my career with @23xiracing was the icing on the cake. Getting a call from @dennyhamlin@toyotaracing and MJ, asking me to come on board and start a new team meant the world to me. Perfect opportunity to give my two decades of experience to,” Kurt Busch wrote on X.
The decision to stay involved with 23XI came after an unexpected conclusion to his driving career. In 2022, while competing in the #45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Busch sustained a concussion at Pocono Raceway, forcing him off the track. Tyler Reddick subsequently assumed the #45 seat, and by 2024 had guided the car to a regular-season title, underscoring Busch’s foundational influence on the team’s ongoing achievements.
A Lasting Legacy Recognized by NASCAR
Busch’s legacy received new validation with the announcement of his upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, scheduled ahead of the next motorsports season. This honor acknowledges not just his race wins, but also his transition into a leadership role once his own time on the track had ended.
Kurt Busch Reacts to Hall of Fame Election
The moment of being named to the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 was emotional for Busch, who was the last inductee announced—a position that surprised him and evoked deep reflection.
“I had to go like into racer mode. I had to kind of stay focused on the emotions of it, but also you’re listening to all of the statistics and all of the heroes that I looked up to and raced against and the ones that are on the ballot with me,” he said [20:28 onwards].
“Everyone’s deserving, and I was fingers crossed hoping that it would happen. But either way, I would still be here to celebrate our past, our present, and our future,” Kurt Busch added.
Alongside Busch’s individual recognition, his family ties to the sport resonate strongly, as his brother, Kyle Busch, is also a two-time Cup Series champion, further deepening the Busch name’s association with NASCAR’s top tier. Kurt’s past victories in major events such as the Coca-Cola 600, which the Cup Series will contest again at Charlotte Motor Speedway in late May, remain central to his enduring reputation.
The Ongoing Influence of Team Leaders and Future Outlook
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, as co-owners of 23XI Racing, have been instrumental in providing Busch an environment to transition his expertise from the driver’s seat to advisory roles. Their vision allowed the team to build on both established and emerging talent, paving the way for both competitive results and a strong team culture.
Looking forward, Kurt Busch’s journey exemplifies the ways in which experienced leaders can shape not only on-track outcomes but also the broader culture and success of a NASCAR team. His role with 23XI Racing, defined by his partnership with Hamlin and Jordan, sets a precedent for how veteran drivers can continue contributing meaningfully to the sport long after their racing days have ended.
